About Smithfield Plantation

The Smithfield Plantation is a 103 acre plot of land in the town of Litchfield, Maine, which has been set aside as conservation land; it borders Libby-road and Huntington Hill-road. A significant amount of hours have been provided by local residents and groups in developing several walking trails, an outdoor amphitheater, signage, educational displays, and continuing maintenance of same.

While the name "Smithfield Plantation" currently designates this relatively small portion of Litchfield, the name comes from two brothers named Smith who first settled in the area under land grants from the Plymouth Colony. The original Smithfield Plantation comprised a much larger area than the current dimensions of the reservation and the town itself; apparently portions of the plantation were annexed over the years between 1817 and 1867 and became part of several adjacent towns.
Litchfield, as a town, was incorporated in 1795 (at least that is the official date used for our 200th anniversary; I have seen a reference to an incorporation date of 18-February-1798 as well). Check out a brief monogram on Litchfield history as noted in 1886.

The Smithfield Plantation as conserved land held in public trust began around 1986 and the Smithfield Plantation Trustees were organized to provide oversight and guidance of this local treasure.