Cos Cob emerged as a settled and connected community over more than two centuries. The name "Cos Cob Neck" was recorded in 1686, and in 1689 six roads, including the present Orchard and Bible Streets, were laid out northward from the Main Country Road (US 1) into "ye wilderness." In 1700, a packet boat began regular travel between the Mianus River and New York City, carrying farm produce westward and returning with finished goods. David Bush constructed a tidal grist mill and dam at the mouth of Strickland Brook. On February 26, 1779, British forces under General Tryon raided Greenwich and destroyed sloops and an important salt works at the lower landing on the Mianus River. The first railroad station was built in 1872. Palmer Brothers was established in 1888 and later produced its well-known marine engine on Palmer's Point. From the 1890s to the 1920s, an artist and writer colony centered at the "Holley House," later known as the Bush-Holley House. The last farm produce boat ended its run to New York City in 1896, marking the end of an era. During 1906-07, the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad line was electrified, and the Cos Cob Power Plant was constructed on Studwell Point.