East Plymouth Historic District

The area that is now East Plymouth was sparsely settled until after the American Revolutionary War. The junction of East Plymouth and Marsh Roads was a minor road junction, that assumed importance with the founding in 1792 of St. Matthew's Church. This church was founded by Plymouth Episcopalians unhappy with a recent decision to build a new church at the western end of the town (now Thomaston), and by Congregationalists of Bristol unhappy with their preacher. The crossroads grew into a small village as parishioners moved to the area, and there were soon a tavern and blacksmith established. The area was dependent on agriculture, and declined economically in the late 19th century, as people moved to find work elsewhere.[2]

The historic district extends along East Plymouth Street, a short distance from its junction with Marsh Road. It includes eight 19th-century houses, as well as the former 1792 St. Matthew's building, now converted to a residence. That building is of historic significance as one of a small number of surviving 18th-century church buildings in the state. The houses and associated outbuildings are mostly in vernacular versions of the Federal and Greek Revival styles popular in the first half of the 19th century. Some houses remained within ownership of the same families well into the 20th century.[2]

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Litchfield County, Connecticut