Ashford

About Ashford

Tucked into the quiet hills of Windham County, Ashford is one of Connecticut's most authentically rural towns — the kind of place where open land, towering trees, and a slow-paced lifestyle feel like a deliberate choice. Despite its small footprint, it punches above its weight with a remarkable collection of camps, retreats, and community institutions that draw visitors from across the region.

What to Know

• Scouting's biggest stage in CT: Ashford is home to the June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation, the largest Boy Scout camp in Connecticut — a sprawling outdoor destination for young adventurers.
• A camp with heart: The legendary Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, founded by actor Paul Newman, provides transformative experiences for children living with cancer and other serious illnesses.
• A town of retreats: From the Salvation Army's CONNRI Lodge and Conference Center to the Evangelical Christian Center, Ashford has long been a destination for reflection and renewal.
• Literary landmark: The Babcock Library is a beloved local institution and one of the town's most recognizable buildings.
• Storm history: On July 17, 2018, Ashford was struck by an EF0 tornado — the first tornado to touch down in Windham County since 1992.

History

Incorporated in 1714, Ashford has deep colonial roots — deep enough that President George Washington himself passed through in the fall of 1789, only to find himself stranded on a Sunday when local law prohibited hiring a carriage, much to his reported frustration. The town was also large enough to spin off its own neighbor: Eastford was part of Ashford until 1847, when it broke away to form its own town.

Community & Living

Ashford draws residents who value wide-open space, close-knit neighbors, and genuine small-town life in Connecticut's quiet northeast corner. The mix of camps, conservation land, and community spirit gives the town a unique warmth — part retreat, part hometown.