Guilford, Connecticut
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| Guilford, Connecticut | |
|---|---|
| Name | Guilford |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | State |
| Subdivision name | Connecticut |
| Subdivision type1 | County |
| Subdivision name1 | New Haven |
| Subdivision type2 | Metropolitan area |
| Subdivision name2 | Greater New Haven |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1639 |
| Government type | Selectman-Town Meeting |
| Leader title | First Selectman |
| Leader name | Matthew T. Hoey |
| Area total km2 | 128.5 |
| Area land km2 | 120.0 |
| Area water km2 | 8.5 |
| Elevation m | 15 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 22,073 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 06437 |
| Area code | 203 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 09-34950 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0213436 |
| Website | www.ci.guilford.ct.us |
Guilford, Connecticut is a coastal town in New Haven County within the Greater New Haven region. Settled in 1639 by Puritans led by Henry Whitfield, it is one of the oldest communities in New England. The town is renowned for its well-preserved historic architecture, extensive historic districts, and scenic location on Long Island Sound.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Algonquian-speaking Menunkatuck band. In 1639, a company of settlers from the Surrey village of Guildford in England, under the spiritual guidance of Henry Whitfield, purchased land from Squaw Sachem of the Quinnipiac tribe. The settlement was named after their English home. The Henry Whitfield House, built in 1639, is the oldest stone house in New England and is now a state museum. Throughout the Revolutionary War, the town was a site of privateering activity against British shipping. In the 19th century, it became a center for granite quarrying and oystering, with its historic green serving as a central civic and commercial hub. The arrival of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad in 1852 connected it more closely to New Haven and New York City.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 128.5 square kilometers, of which 120.0 square kilometers is land and 8.5 square kilometers is water. Its coastline along Long Island Sound features several harbors, including Guilford Harbor, and landmarks like Chaffinch Island Park and Grassy Island. The town's terrain transitions from salt marshes and tidal rivers, such as the East River, to rolling hills further inland. Major state roads include U.S. Route 1 and Route 77. It borders the towns of Madison, Branford, North Branford, and Durham.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 22,073. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of Asian, African American, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income is significantly higher than the state average, and a large percentage of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The population density is concentrated in the town center and along the shoreline, with more rural areas in the northern parts of town.
Economy
The local economy is a mix of professional services, retail, light manufacturing, and tourism. Major employers include Bic and Medtronic, alongside numerous small businesses and professional offices clustered around the Guilford Green and along Boston Post Road. The Guilford Handcrafts Exposition, an annual event since 1957, highlights the town's artisan community. The Guilford Mooring, a marina and marine services complex, supports the boating and fishing industries tied to Long Island Sound. Agriculture remains active at several family-owned farms and CSAs.
Education
Public education is managed by Guilford Public Schools, which operates Guilford High School, Abraham Baldwin Middle School, and several elementary schools including Calvin Leete Elementary School. The district is known for high academic performance and extensive extracurricular programs. Private institutions include the Guilford Lakes School and the Country School for younger grades. The Guilford Free Library, founded in 1816, serves as a key community resource. Proximity to Yale University and University of New Haven provides additional educational opportunities.
Notable people
Notable residents have included Revolutionary War figure Fitz-John Winthrop; lexicographer Noah Webster; inventor Eli Whitney; Academy Award-winning actress Patricia Neal; Pulitzer Prize-winning poet William Meredith; NASA astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan; Major League Baseball player Charlie Hickman; and contemporary authors like Jane Green and Chris Bohjalian. The town has also been home to artists such as John H. Twachtman and political figures including former Connecticut Governor John Davis Lodge.
Category:Towns in Connecticut Category:Towns in New Haven County, Connecticut Category:Populated coastal places in Connecticut Category:1639 establishments in the Thirteen Colonies