page_title: History of Norwalk, Connecticut
section_title: Purchase
hierarchical_section_title: History of Norwalk, Connecticut / 17th century / Purchase
caption_attribution_description: English: The largest canvas in Norwalk's collection of WPA murals. It measures 9 ft. high by 18 ft. long. The scene, painted by Norwalk artist Harry Townsend, depicts the purchase of Norwalk by Roger Ludlow from Chief Mahackemo. This canvas was commissioned originally for the Common Council Chamber in the former City Hall, now the Norwalk Museum. It now hangs in the Norwalk City Hall first floor atrium
context_page_description: The history of Norwalk, Connecticut ranges from pre-contact cultures and Native Americans to the 21st century.
context_section_description: Norwalk was purchased in two separate transactions in 1640 and 1641 by Daniel Patrick and Roger Ludlow. Patrick purchased areas west of the Norwalk River and east of the Five Mile River (present day South Norwalk, Rowayton, and West Norwalk) on April 20, 1640. Ludlow purchased areas east of the Norwalk river (present day East Norwalk and Saugatuck) on February 26, 1641, according to the Gregorian calendar; or February 26, 1640, on the then still commonly used Julian calendar. The later purchase by Ludlow is misleadingly depicted in Norwalk founding memorabilia (such as the WPA painting shown) as having occurred in the year 1640.
  Patrick had traveled to Connecticut from Massachusetts and had participated in the Pequot War during 1637 and 1638. On April 20, 1640 Patrick purchased from the Indians of Norwake and Makentouh:
  It was also noted that Patrick may have been purchasing the land with the goal of expanding the New Haven Colony which at the time was distinct from the Connecticut Colony.
  The areas east of the Norwalk river were then purchased in 1641 (still commonly cited as having taken place in 1640) by Roger Ludlow from Chief Mahackemo of the Norwalke Indians (actually the residents of Norwauke village of the Siwanoy subdivision or "sanchemship" of the Algonquian language family).
caption: Purchase of Norwalk by Harry Townsend, WPA mural
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