The proximity of its settlements to the Housatonic River offered an efficient means of transporting materials and goods, which helped stimulate Cornwall's early farming economy as well as assisting in the evolution of business and industry.

Cornwall has long been known as the “Home of the Covered Bridge,” which has spanned the Housatonic River since 1864.

Modern-day Cornwall continues to reflect its rural farming character while being home to arts, culture, artisans and entrepreneurs.

Its convenience to major metropolitan areas makes it attractive for year-round and second-home residents.

In 1939 poet Mark Van Doren wrote "The Hills of Little Cornwall", in which the seductive beauties of the countryside were portrayed:[3] Cornwall also makes a glancing appearance in Wallace Stevens's late poem "Reality is an Activity of the Most August Imagination."

This tragedy was instrumental in the Congregational church's 1820 outreach to the ‘Sandwich Islands’ at Kona, Hawaii.

It is bordered to the north by the town of Canaan, to the east by Goshen, to the south by Warren, to the southwest by Kent, and to the west, across the Housatonic River, by Sharon.

Some of the main features of Cornwall include the Cream Hill Lake, the Covered Bridge, Mohawk Ski Mountain and the town which contains a library and tennis courts.

It sponsors art shows, lectures, a Books & Bloom sale and tour, along with many other events.

The Rose Algrant Show is an exhibit of works in all media by artists from Cornwall, Connecticut over the age of 18.