Canton

About Canton

Tucked into the scenic Farmington Valley, Canton is a quintessential Connecticut town where historic charm meets an active, outdoorsy spirit. The Farmington River winds through town, and the beloved village of Collinsville gives Canton a creative, small-town soul that's hard to resist. It's the kind of place where neighbors know each other and weekends fill up fast with farmers markets, river trails, and local events.

What to Know

• Collinsville is a gem: In 2007, Budget Travel magazine named Collinsville one of the "Ten Coolest Small Towns In America" — a well-deserved nod to its walkable village center, indie shops, and riverside character.
• History you can hold: The Canton Historical Museum preserves the town's rich heritage, including artifacts from the famous Collins Company, which once made axes and machetes exported worldwide.
• Outdoor paradise: The Farmington River Trail offers miles of walking and cycling, while the river itself is a favorite for kayaking and tubing.
• Canton Center Historic District is a beautifully preserved village area with classic New England architecture worth a leisurely stroll.

History

Incorporated in 1806, Canton was carved from the town of Simsbury and quickly grew around the Collins Company, an edge-tool manufacturer founded in Collinsville in 1826 that became one of the most significant industrial enterprises in 19th-century New England. At its peak, Collins machetes were being shipped to farms and workforces across Central and South America, putting this small Connecticut town on a genuinely global map.

Community & Living

Canton strikes a rare balance — rural enough to feel like an escape, yet connected enough to Hartford and the broader valley that daily life stays convenient. Residents take real pride in their schools, trails, and local businesses, and the town's mix of historic villages and natural beauty makes it a deeply satisfying place to put down roots.