[1] The area that is now West Granby village was first settled in the early 18th century, and was largely agrarian, with a sawmill established on the West Branch Salmon Brook about 1742.

In 1784, the water power of the brook was harnessed for a gristmill, carding mill, trip hammer facility, and gin distillery.

These small industries survived until approximately the time of the Civil War, after which they were unable to compete with similar businesses of larger scale in urban settings.

The area experienced an agricultural revival in the early 20th century, when shade-grown tobacco was introduced.

There are only a few minor instances of the village's industrial buildings that survive, and one church.