The village of Bedford is delightfully situated a little north of the Mehanas River, in a large and fertile vale almost environed by high hills. The surrounding country, is well wooded, and watered by several streams tributary to the Croton. The principal of these are the Pepemighting misnamed the Kisco, the Cisqua or Beaver dam, and the Peppeneghek or Cross River. Bedford beinoa half shire town with White Plains, (which is located sixteen miles south.) The courts are held alternately at both places.

Court House, Bedford.

As early as 16S0, the proprietors of the Hop ground (then residing at Stamford,) appointed a committee " for the purpose of Vol. I. 3

18 HISTORY OF THE

laying out a town spot, and house lots, the latter to consist at least of three acres each, also a town common field or park, was directed to be laid out." At this period the Hop ground formed a part of Stiimford township within f^'airfield county, and was therefore under the jurisdiction of Connecticut. In 1681 the general court of that colony ordered the laying out of a plantation at the Hop ground.

On the 11th of October, 1681, the proprietors of the Hop ground appointed a committee to lay out and divide the residue of the land at the Hop ground. It was also agreed to receive eleven inhabitants in order to form a town, and a committee appointed to go and view the land for the purpose of laying out a cart way to the Hop ground.