The Topsmead State Forest used to be the summer estate of Miss Edith Morton Chase. Her father, Henry Sabin Chase, was the first President of Chase Brass and Copper Company in Waterbury, the Brass Capital of the World.

In 1917, the 16-acre summer property was given to Edith by her father. A Tudor Style residence was constructed within it in 1925. After the addition of the house, which remains today, the property was further enlarged when Edith purchased an additional farm.

In 1972, after the death of Miss Chase, the estate was left to the people of Connecticut and was soon named Topsmead State Forest. In her will, she made a request stating that Topsmead State Forest must “be kept in a state of natural beauty.” An endowment was also left by Miss Chase to ensure the maintenance and operation of the property’s buildings and grounds.