Kettletown State Park

Welcome to Kettletown State Park located on the banks of of the Housatonic River in Oxford, Connecticut.

Park History: Before the first European settlers set foot in the region the land that makes up Kettletown State Park was inhabited by the Pootatuck Native American Tribe. Even though the tribe had many well skilled hunters and fisherman, their main emphasis was agriculture. Their crops included apples, tobacco, and tomatoes. One of the more interesting features of the Pootatuck tribe was the drum communication system which could carry a message over a distance of approximately 100 miles in one hour. It is said that some of the earliest white setters worked out a deal with the tribe by giving them a brass kettle in exchange for permission to hunt and fish on their land.

In more recent history the Connecticut Light and Power Company constructed the Stevenson Dam in 1919 which resulted in the production of hydroelectric power as well as the flooding of the area that was the site of the original Pootatuck Village. In 1950, the State of Conecticut purchased the first 455 acres of Kettletown State Park.

For the lover of the outdoors this park boasts hiking trails, a swimming lake, campsites, and much more. Come on out and explore.