Redding, Connecticut
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| Redding, Connecticut | |
|---|---|
| Name | Redding, Connecticut |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Connecticut |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Fairfield County |
| Subdivision type3 | Region |
| Subdivision name3 | Western Connecticut |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | 1767 |
| Government type | Selectman–town meeting |
| Leader title | First Selectman |
| Leader name | Julia Pemberton |
| Area total km2 | 83.2 |
| Area land km2 | 81.5 |
| Area water km2 | 1.7 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 8,765 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 06896 |
| Area code | 203/475 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 09-63210 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0213492 |
| Website | townofreddingct.org |
Redding, Connecticut. Redding is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, within the Western Connecticut Planning Region. Incorporated in 1767 from parts of Fairfield, Danbury, and Ridgefield, it is known for its rural character, historic landmarks, and association with several notable American figures. The town's landscape is defined by rolling hills, significant open space, and watersheds for the Saugatuck River and Norwalk River.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Pootatuck Native Americans before European settlement began in the early 18th century. Redding was officially incorporated in 1767 and played a strategic role during the American Revolutionary War; it served as a winter encampment for the Continental Army in 1778-1779, known as the Redding Encampment or Putnam Memorial State Park, under the command of General Israel Putnam. The town was also the birthplace of the Revolutionary War spy Eunice Bolles and later the home of lexicographer Noah Webster, who lived at his estate, "The Elms". In the 19th century, Redding became a rural retreat for artists and intellectuals, setting the stage for its 20th-century notoriety.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 83.2 square kilometers, of which 81.5 square kilometers is land and 1.7 square kilometers is water. Major water bodies include the Saugatuck Reservoir, part of the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company system, and the Aspetuck River. The terrain is part of the New England Upland region, featuring wooded hills and valleys. Significant preserved open space includes the Collis P. Huntington State Park, which extends into neighboring Bethel and Newtown, and the Larsen Sanctuary managed by the Connecticut Audubon Society. The town is bordered by Danbury, Bethel, Ridgefield, Wilton, Weston, and Easton.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 8,765. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of Asian, Black, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income is significantly higher than the state and national averages, with a high percentage of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Population density remains low, consistent with the town's rural residential character, with housing primarily consisting of single-family homes on large lots.
Government and infrastructure
Redding employs a Selectman-Town meeting form of government, with the current First Selectman being Julia Pemberton. The town is part of Connecticut's 4th congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Jim Himes, and in the Connecticut Senate by Tony Hwang. Key infrastructure includes the Metro-North Railroad's Danbury Branch, with a station in the Georgetown section, and state routes such as Route 53 and Route 58. Emergency services are provided by the Redding Police Department and the Redding Volunteer Fire Department.
Education
Public education is managed by the Region 9 School District, which operates Joel Barlow High School jointly with the town of Easton. Redding's elementary and middle school students attend John Read Middle School and Redding Elementary School. The town is also served by several private institutions, including the Ridgefield Academy and Wooster School in nearby Danbury. The Mark Twain Library, founded with books donated by Samuel Langhorne Clemens himself, serves as a central cultural and educational resource for the community.
Notable people
Redding has been home to many prominent individuals, particularly in the arts and literature. Famed author Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) lived at his estate, Stormfield, from 1908 until his death in 1910. Humorist and illustrator James Thurber was a longtime resident. In music, composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein owned a home in Redding, and David Brubeck of the Dave Brubeck Quartet also resided there. Other notable residents include actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr, journalist and author William F. Buckley Jr., and contemporary figures like actor and comedian Kevin Nealon and journalist Michele Norris.
Category:Towns in Connecticut Category:Towns in Fairfield County, Connecticut Category:1767 establishments in Connecticut