[1] The peaceful [2] tribe of Quinnipiacs were the first residents of the land that is now Hamden, they had great regard awe and veneration for the Blue Hills Sleeping Giant Mountain.

In spring 1638, Theophilus Eaton and the Reverend John Davenport purchased, from Quinnipiac Chief Momauguin, the land that would become the settlement of New Haven Colony.

It remained a part of New Haven until 1786 when 1,400 local residents incorporated the area as a separate town, naming it after the English statesman John Hampden.

[5] Largely developed as a nodal collection of village-like settlements (which remain distinct today), including Mount Carmel (home to Quinnipiac University), Whitneyville, Spring Glen, West Woods, and Highwood, Hamden has a long-standing industrial history.

In 1798, four years after Eli Whitney began manufacturing the cotton gin in New Haven, he made arms for the U.S. government at a mill site in Hamden, where a waterfall provided a good source of power.

At that site, Whitney introduced the modern era of mass production with the concept of interchangeable parts.

Whitney constructed stone houses for his employees in the nearby area, which is still referred to as Whitneyville; this is believed to be the first example of employer-provided homes in U.S. history.

Before its use as a walking and bicycling trail, many local residents rode their motocross bikes on the Farmington Canal.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Hamden received a steady influx of immigrants, most notably from Italy and Ireland.

The northern section of town, however, retains a more rural character, and has the distinct neighborhood of Mount Carmel.

Across the street is Freedom Park, which contains a fountain with concrete stepping stones leading to a sign that pleads for peace in several different languages.

Positions in the various town boards and commissions are generally appointed by the Mayor subject to approval by the Legislative Council.

Top employers in Hamden according to the town's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report[13] The main industries in the town are retail trade, computer products, manufacture of wire and cable, concrete, pump mixer products, fabricated metals, construction and business services.

The top four major employers are the Town government and school district, Quinnipiac University, Harborside Health Care, and Area Cooperative Education Services (ACES).

The Wilbur Cross Parkway runs through the center of the town serving as a connection to Hartford to the north and the New York metropolitan area to the south.

Hamden is home to several private and religious schools, including: Small portions of the campuses of Southern Connecticut State University[19] and Albertus Magnus College[20] in New Haven extend just over the city line into southernmost Hamden, as do a few outlying buildings of Yale University.

Hamden Town Center Park hosts fireworks, free concerts, outdoor movies, and other seasonal festivals.

The Jonathan Dickerman House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located in Mount Carmel.