Trowbridge Square Historic District

Trowbridge Square: A Visionary Community for Equality

In the 1830s, abolitionist Simeon Jocelyn (1799–1879), in partnership with architect and builder Isaac Thompson, developed Trowbridge Square in New Haven as a model egalitarian residential community. Designed for low-income working-class residents, the neighborhood was intended to be racially integrated, welcoming both African Americans and whites.

A Community Built on Equality and Opportunity

• Restrictive covenants were placed on the sale of alcohol and racial discrimination, aiming to improve quality of life for all residents.
• A school for African Americans was built on Carlisle Street to encourage Black families to settle in the area.
• By 1845, African Americans made up nearly 58% of the Trowbridge Square population, reflecting its success in fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

A Recognized Historic District

Today, Trowbridge Square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its legacy as an early experiment in racial integration and social reform.

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