The Unknown Right

En savoir plus sur le livre

When I began my 25-year journey, I had no intention of conducting a historical study of the northern Long Mountain area in New Milford. After purchasing 40 acres of hillside woodlands to protect our view, I aimed to locate the property. My concerns grew when I learned someone was considering logging the area, suggesting easier access that could lead to housing development. Armed with a questionable map, I set out to explore the tract I had dubbed Rock Cobble Pond. However, my desire to locate the land quickly evolved into a deeper investigation due to conflicting maps and boundary disputes in the region. I realized that understanding these issues was essential to properly locate our property. The area was not unique, but the numerous boundary disagreements piqued my interest. Comments from neighboring landowners revealed a history of contention: Elizabeth Gaffney claimed her land was being encroached upon, while others mentioned a land-locked parcel owned by someone in Florida and questioned the ownership of my property’s prior owner, Serano. These concerns highlighted a changing landscape—from open pastures in the late 1940s to the wooded area we see today. The poor quality and confusion of existing survey maps further underscored the need for a thorough study. This realization marked the beginning of my quest to understand the history and complexities of the region, particularly regarding the 40 acres my wife and I had rec