History was made in the revolutionary town of Lebanon
Lebanon is a quiet, rural community in Connecticut that made some noise during the Revolutionary War. Stretching out over a mile alongside Trumbull Highway, Lebanon's historic green is home to Gov. Jonathan Trumbull’s store and office, which was used to coordinate Patriot defensive efforts from 1775 to 1783. Today, the historic green continues to show what life was like during New England's Colonial era. With historic homes, a strong agricultural foundation and over 150 local farms and attractions, Lebanon made a name for itself as the “Heartbeat of the Revolution.”
Parks and preserves around the Lebanon Historic Green
There are nearly 50 historically significant buildings around the green, including old farmhouses, a couple of museums and the First Congregational Church designed by John Trumbull, the son of the former governor and famed Painter of the Revolution whose "Declaration of Independence" painting hangs in the U.S. Capitol. Locals can ride on horseback at the 50-mile Air Line Trail State Park or dive into the community pool across the street from the public library. Outdoorsmen fish and hunt at the nearly 700-acre Barlett Brook Wildlife Management Area, while the 135-acre Pigeon Swamp Preserve has birds and ducks grazing through its winding marshlands. Boating and fishing are popular activities in the 272-acre pond at Lake Williams State Park, as well as Mono Pond State Park and Mooween State Park which both sit 7 miles outside of the neighborhood.
Cape Cods and colonial-style architecture
Houses are tucked away within the rolling hills and dense forestry north of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Highway. Many of the community's cottages and mid-sized ranch-style homes cost between $200,000 and $500,000 and have 1-acre lots with Cape Cod and contemporary architecture. Some of the larger colonial-style properties were built in the 1850s and can have lots that are anywhere from 5 to nearly 30 acres, with prices ranging between $500,000 and $800,000. “People come here, and they stay here,” Delorge says. “It’s just a really great town that nobody wants to leave.”
Farm-fresh foods and local produce
Lebanon is one of Connecticut’s biggest dairy and poultry producers and has nearly 10,000 acres of farmland. Many local farms sell products from their own shops, whether it’s Sugar Maple Farms’ syrup or Ledge Stone Orchard’s produce. “It’s a big farming town,” says Realtor Krystal Delorge of Countryside Realty, who's a 20-year resident. “We like to keep it local here.” Roberto’s Log Cabin is a family-owned establishment north by Trumbull Highway that has been serving New England classics since 1933, while Jack’s Market on the Green serves made-to-order deli sandwiches alongside homemade pies and baked goods. Outside of Lebanon, the closest retailers and supermarkets will be found directly north in Willimantic and South Windham.
Parades, festivals and farmers markets
June always brings over 20 vendors to the local farmers market at Alden Tavern Park, as well as the annual dog costume parade where they roll out the red carpet for their furry contestants. Local musicians perform before the fireworks show on the historic green at the Summer Dancefest, while tractor pulls, amusement rides and the Miss Lebanon Pageant can be found at the Lebanon Country Fair. “The whole town goes,” Delorge says. “We have a little over 7,000 people, and everybody is always there. Community is huge here.”
From Lebanon Elementary to Lyman Memorial High
Lebanon Public Schools scores a B-plus on Niche. Lebanon Elementary School has a 12-to-1 student-teacher ratio, while Lebanon Middle School is right next to Lyman Memorial High School. All three schools earn B-plus ratings on Niche.
Highways between Hartford and Norwich
The two major highways serving Lebanon are Route 6, which runs through Willimantic and connects 30 miles west to Hartford or 20 miles east to Danielson, and Route 2, which leads 8 miles east into Norwich or 13 miles west into Colchester. Lebanon offers $3 round trips to the 24-hour Windham Hospital around 7 miles north through its senior and handicap transportation program, and the closest spot to catch a flight is 45 miles northwest at the Bradley International Airport.
