Submitted by Jessie Ford
(August 25, 2025) —One of Killingworth’s most beloved (and short-lived) attractions will be making a special appearance at this year’s All Things Killingworth Town Picnic. It’s Cowboy Valley, our town’s very own Wild West destination from the late 1950s! It will bring back the spirit of Cowboy Valley for one day only, thanks to the support of our Cowboy Valley sponsors: Edward Jones, Ann Pellegrini, and Blue Fire Stage Co.
From 1957 to 1959, Cowboy Valley entertained visitors near the intersection of Route 81 and Stevens Road (today’s Living Rock Church). The attraction featured a full mock frontier town with eighteen buildings, including a bank, courthouse, jail, barber shop, blacksmith shop, general store, and the Red Eye Saloon. Guests could witness (and join in!) staged bank robberies, holdups, and stagecoach rides, or visit the teepee settlement for a slice of Wild West life. Children could even be “deputized” by the sheriff.
For three summers, Cowboy Valley drew families from all over Connecticut—and even from New York—before closing its gates in 1959. Though it lasted only a few years, the attraction left behind lasting memories and a unique chapter in Killingworth’s history. Today, the Killingworth Historical Society keeps those memories alive through its permanent exhibit at Parmelee Farm.
At this year’s picnic, Cowboy Valley will ride again with:
- Cowboy photo opportunities
- Throwback swag for purchase
- Cowboys on site sharing stories of the past
Calling All Community Members
We need your help to bring this history to life!
- Do you have Cowboy Valley memorabilia, photos, or stories tucked away? We’d love to include them in the display.
- Do you remember Cowboy Valley and want to volunteer to share your memories? We’re looking for people to help educate the next generation about this unique piece of Killingworth’s past.
- Email picnic@allthingskillingworth.com.
Save the Date: October 4, 2025 at Deer Lake Outdoor Center
For details and updates, visit: https://allthingskillingworth.com/all-things-killingworth-town-picnic/
