Ezra Stiles enumerated about forty families living in North Haven in the early part of the eighteenth century. All of these people were multipurpose farmers, producing what they needed for themselves and their families. In 1786, the General Assembly permitted North Haven to incorporate as a town, separate from New Haven. New roads were built to facilitate communication, namely the Hartford Turnpike in 1798 and the Middletown Turnpike in 1813.
The first United States census counted 1236 people in the agricultural community of North Haven in 1790. However, the 1789 Grand List had found 1620 sheep in North Haven with the amount of sheep outnumbering the residents.
By the middle of the nineteenth century, signs of the Industrial Revolution were apparent. In 1838, the New Haven and Hartford Railroad had laid its tracks along the level sand plains by the Quinnipiac River. In addition, small industries such as the manufacture of agricultural implements in Clintonville began in 1830. On the 1850 census, 62% of the population were listed as farmers. One third of the residents worked in various nonagricultural occupations such as mechanics, brickmakers, and shoemakers.

Map of 1868

After the Civil War, the expanding production of bricks, especially by the I.L.Stiles Co. brought immigrants to North Haven from Ireland, Germany, Italy, and Poland. By 1880, 11 out of 100 people had been born outside of the United States.

In the1880's, Solomon Linsley, a North Haven architect, built both the Memorial Town Hall and the new District 4 School. Linsley designed and built thirty-two Victorian style houses and public buildings in North Haven.
By 1900, public transportation was important to North Haven residents. Eighteen passenger trains stopped at the Broadway station every day. The Airline Railroad ran through Montowese and Clintonville to Middletown. Trolleys ran from Montowese to New Haven. After 1900, the line was extended north to Wallingford.

Population Growth in North Haven Years 1750 1790 1850 1930 1980 Residents 350 1236 1335 5326 22,080

After World War I, the automobile changed life in this country town. The brickyards along the river were the major industry. However, those residents who owned a car could live in North Haven and commute to New Haven for their jobs. Small real estate development began to grow up along the southern edge of town.
Significant population growth occurred at the end of World War II. North Haven's population increased rapidly, quadrupling between 1945 and 1970. The establishment of two factories: Pratt & Whitney and Marlin Firearms spurred the subsequent population increase. This population shift necessitated the building of a new police station, firehouse, library, and five schools in the 1950's and 1960's to accommodate the needs of the growing community.
In spite of its rapid growth, North Haven retains its town meeting form of government. According to the 1980 census, the town population was 22,080.

Today in North Haven
To find out more current information about North Haven, click on the town seal.