Over the last few years I have become enamored of the old industrial mill towns sprinkled throughout Connecticut and beyond, with names like Rockville, Unionville, and Tariffville. While most of these towns have fallen into decline with the shrinking manufacturing economy, some are thriving by attracting small businesses, preserving historic architecture, and creating a gathering place for their community. Collinsville, CT is one such town that has become a popular destination.
A village within the town of Canton, Collinsville is situated along the Farmington River. As was common at the time, mill machinery was operated with water power so it was the perfect site for Samuel Collins, his brother David, and his cousin William to open their new business venture in 1826, the Collins Company Axe Factory.
With just a few acres to start, one old gristmill, and eight men, the company grew quickly and gained a national reputation for its high quality axes, the first ready-to-use axes ever manufactured in the United States. As the company expanded, Collins Company added additional buildings and products, and built housing, a bank, a church and other structures for its growing employee base, gradually forming the village of Collinsville you see today.
While you can easily park along the streets of Collinsville, many take advantage of the Farmington River Trail which runs along the river where a portion of the former Canal Line Railroad used to run. There are a number of access points to the trail, and visitors either walk, run, or bike the trail, often with dogs or children (or both!) in tow.
We accessed the trail about 1.5 miles away and walked into town from there. Remnants of the town’s past are everywhere, and you quickly recognize that Collinsville was synonymous with the Collins Company Axe Factory at one time.
A favorite haunt of veteran antique lovers and browsers alike is Antiques on the Farmington, appropriately residing in one of the old Collins Company Axe Factory buildings. With over 50 dealers, you will surely find a vintage treasure to take home with you.
After antiquing, browse the other shops that dot the downtown area (such as my favorite here) and then pop into the family run LaSalle Market & Deli, a go-to spot for delicious deli sandwiches, salads, soups, pizza slices, baked goods, and coffee, among other culinary treats. With a large indoor seating area and cafe tables outside there is no shortage of space to sit back and relax for a while.
Patrons can play one of the many games available, or come on a Friday night for a popular (and competitive!) Open Mic lineup. The interior walls are covered by works of art for sale, with a portion of proceeds used to support substance abuse prevention programming. The owners of LaSalle are fully invested in the community, and their restaurant has become a local hub.
When you are done eating, admire the historic buildings of Main Street as you make your way towards the town green. The Italianate building that houses LaSalle once contained three different businesses: a meat market, a shoe store, and a purveyor of household goods.
Anything a Collins Company employee might need, from a bank, to a tailor, to a barber, all could be found in the Collinsville commercial district. The Valley House hotel, pictured in the foreground below, is currently condominiums but used to accommodate visiting Collins Company customers from all over the world.
Collins Company became known not just for its axes but for machetes, picks, knives, swords, bayonets, and more. According to this article, it covered 80% of the world market for machetes with over 150 varieties sent to 35 countries. Hard to believe, isn’t it?
Stroll The Green
It is believed that The Green in Collinsville was laid out under the direction of Samuel Collins in 1836 at the time the Congregational church was constructed, with many of the homes built on The Green in the 1840s to house executives of the Collins Company.
Stroll the streets of The Green to see the well-preserved historic architecture that is part of the Collinsville Historic District, one of the few manufacturing villages in Connecticut to survive almost in its entirety.
If your interest in Collinsville history and the Collins Company Axe Factory is piqued, spend some time browsing the thousands of artifacts at the Canton Historical Museum. Housed in (you guessed it!) a former Collins Company building where agricultural plows were once manufactured, the museum has three floors full of Collins Axe memorabilia as well as other objects and displays related to the town and time period.
The demise of the Collins Company Axe Factory came about after the Flood of 1955 which was perhaps the worst natural disaster in Connecticut history, destroying many mill towns across the state.
A result of the combined rainfall from Hurricanes Connie and Diane, the flood wiped out at least a third of the Collins Company factory, and although the company struggled to recover they ultimately closed in 1966 by selling off portions of the business to other companies. Much of this history is captured at the museum as well.
While this is my idea of the “Best Things to Do in Collinsville, CT”, there are many other things to do, including the well-regarded Collinsville Canoe & Kayak. If you enjoy water activities you can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle board and enjoy the view of Collinsville from the Farmington River. There are a number of other highly rated restaurants, as well as a live entertainment venue at 41 Bridge Street. Check out Visit Collinsville for more great ideas. There is something for everyone!
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Interested in more Collinsville, CT or other mill history?
I also love these maps of Collinsville available on Etsy – what a great gift idea!
[x_author title=”About the Author”]
My name is Deb Cohen, and I am a lifelong resident of Connecticut, a lover of all things historic and New England, and a realtor who helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals and dreams. When I’m not working, I enjoy life with my husband, our two adult children, and our two rescue pups. Renovating and decorating our historic home, dating to 1800, is another favorite pastime.
I lived in simsbury and worked in Canton/Collinsville for years, but these photos make it look like a completely different town! They capture so much architectural and historical details I never noticed on my day to day travels. Thank you!
I lived in simsbury and worked in Canton/Clayton for years, but these photos make it look like a completely different town! They capture so much architectural and historical details I never noticed on my day to day travels. Thank you!
Hi Liza! I’m so glad you enjoyed! The architecture in Collinsville is amazing, and just the simple fact that it is so intact after all this time is incredible!
Wow, how interesting about Collinsville. Now I want to go! Great travelogue! Thanks Deb.
I hope you get the opportunity! Thanks, Jennifer!
What a wonderful story of a
CT gem. Definitely s must visit.
Thank you Barbara! I think you would enjoy!