An area called "Totoket" which became Branford was part of the land bought from the Mattabesech Indians in 1638 by the first settlers of New Haven. The Dutch set up a trading post at the mouth of the Branford River in the 1600s. That's the source of the name "Dutch Wharf."
The name Branford most likely came from the English town Brentford. Early settlers were mainly involved in agriculture and farming, but lumber, livestock, brooms and produce were also popular ways of making a living.
With the railroad coming into town in 1852 boosted business for the small town with Branford Lockworks, Malleable Iron Fittings Company and the Atlantic Wire Company coming along with it.
