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The Trumbull area was permanently settled in 1690, and in the following years families began migrating to this secluded wilderness region, building mills, churches, and schools. In 1725, the settlement officially became the village of Unity, and this village was eventually absorbed by the larger community of North Stratford. Nearly a century after it was settled, the residents began the petition process for independence from North Stratford, and in 1797, the general assembly granted this request, established town bounds, and declared that this area shall forever be a distinct town known by the name of `Trumbull.'
The town was named after one of the most respected families in Connecticut history, the Trumbulls of Lebanon, CT. The family's patriarch, Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., was the first of four `Governor Trumbulls' in Connecticut. He was a close ally of George Washington, and he was the only colonial Governor to support the Revolution. In recognition of his contributions to his State and his country, a statue of Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., currently stands in the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol.
His son, Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., also had an illustrious career as an early American statesman. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives where he served as Speaker of the House. He also represented the State as a U.S. Senator and was elected Connecticut's governor in 1797, shortly after the town of Trumbull was incorporated.
In addition, Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.'s youngest child, John, was one of the most noteworthy American artists known for painting important historical events. Today, four of his paintings hang in the U.S. Capitol rotunda, his most famous being `The Surrender of Cornwallis.'
While the namesakes for this town were truly heroic individuals, the many generations of Trumbull residents who have settled this town and shepherded its evolution over the years are equally heroic in their own right. They met the crises of their times. They worked hard to ensure a promising future for their children. They lent a helping hand to their neighbors when they were in need. They did all of the things that are necessary to sustain a community and help it develop into a wonderful place to live.
Today, Trumbull is a vibrant residential community which is dedicated to the preservation of its family-oriented atmosphere. Its schools are among the best in the State and the Parent-Teachers Association is very active. There are places of worship for more than a dozen different religions, strengthening the fabric of the community and adding to its diversity. More than 1,000 acres of town-owned open space are set aside for recreational use, and Trumbull is renowned for its numerous public parks. Trumbull has also invested in its children by establishing an excellent youth sports program. In fact, one of the town's and the State of Connecticut's proudest moments came when a resilient group of 11- and 12-year-olds from Trumbull pulled off one of the greatest upsets in baseball history and won the Little League World Series in 1988.
Trumbull's motto is `Pride in our past. Faith in our future.' I would like to personally say that the people of Trumbull should be very proud of their town's history and heritage. But more important, I have complete faith that the future for the people of Trumbull will be even brighter than the past. I congratulate the town of Trumbull on this historic milestone and offer my best wishes for future centuries of success and prosperity.
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