Storrs, Connecticut

Storrs, Connecticut
Name	Storrs, Connecticut
Settlement type	Village

Storrs, Connecticut is a village located in Mansfield, Connecticut, within the Tolland County region, near the University of Connecticut. The village is situated near the Willimantic River and is home to the University of Connecticut's main campus, which includes the Connecticut Repertory Theatre, Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, and the William Benton Museum of Art. The area is also close to the Joshua's Tract Conservation and Historic Trust and the Nathan Hale Homestead. Residents of Storrs often visit nearby Coventry, Connecticut, Willimantic, Connecticut, and Tolland, Connecticut for shopping and entertainment.

Geography

Storrs is nestled in the Tolland County region, near the Willimantic River and the Fenton River. The village is surrounded by the Mansfield Hollow State Park and the Nipmuck Trail, which offer opportunities for hiking and outdoor recreation. The area is also close to the University of Connecticut's UConn Forest, which includes the Cedar Swamp, Fenton River, and the Skungamaug River. Nearby towns include Coventry, Connecticut, Willimantic, Connecticut, and Tolland, Connecticut, as well as the City of Hartford, Springfield, Massachusetts, and Worcester, Massachusetts. The village is also near the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor and the Last Green Valley.

History

The area that is now Storrs was originally inhabited by the Nipmuc and Mohegan tribes, who were later displaced by European-American settlers. The village was named after Augustus Storrs, a Massachusetts native who donated land to the University of Connecticut in the late 19th century. The university was founded in 1881 as the Storrs Agricultural School and has since grown to become one of the largest universities in the state, with notable alumni including Ray Allen, Rebecca Lobo, and Randy Edsall. The village has also been home to notable figures such as Ernest Hemingway, who lived in nearby Toronto, Connecticut, and Katherine Hepburn, who lived in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. The area is also close to the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center and the Mohegan Sun.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the population of Storrs was approximately 15,344, with a median age of 21.4 years old. The village has a diverse population, with students from the University of Connecticut making up a significant portion of the residents. The area is also home to a number of families and young professionals, who are drawn to the village's convenient location and amenities. Nearby towns include Mansfield, Connecticut, Coventry, Connecticut, and Willimantic, Connecticut, which offer a range of community events and activities, including the Willimantic Boom Box Parade and the Coventry Farmers' Market. The village is also close to the Connecticut River Valley, which includes the City of Hartford, Springfield, Massachusetts, and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Economy

The economy of Storrs is driven primarily by the University of Connecticut, which is the largest employer in the area. The university is a major driver of innovation and entrepreneurship, with a number of startup companies and research centers located on campus, including the UConn Technology Incubation Program and the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The village is also home to a number of small businesses and restaurants, including the Geno's Grille and the Ted's Restaurant and Bar, which cater to the university community. Nearby towns include Mansfield, Connecticut, Coventry, Connecticut, and Willimantic, Connecticut, which offer a range of shopping and dining options, including the Willimantic Farmers' Market and the Coventry Village. The area is also close to the Bradley International Airport and the Hartford-Brainard Airport.

Education

Storrs is home to the University of Connecticut, which is one of the largest universities in the state. The university offers a range of academic programs, including the UConn School of Business, the UConn School of Engineering, and the UConn School of Law. The village is also served by the Mansfield Public Schools district, which includes the Mansfield Middle School and the E.O. Smith High School. Nearby schools include the Eastern Connecticut State University, the Quinebaug Valley Community College, and the University of Hartford. The area is also close to the Connecticut State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History.

Transportation

Storrs is located near the intersection of Interstate 84 and Route 195, which provides easy access to nearby towns and cities, including Hartford, Connecticut, Springfield, Massachusetts, and Worcester, Massachusetts. The village is also served by the Windham Region Transit District, which offers bus service to nearby towns and cities, including Willimantic, Connecticut and Mansfield, Connecticut. The area is also close to the Bradley International Airport and the Hartford-Brainard Airport, which offer flights to destinations throughout the United States and Canada. Nearby transportation hubs include the Union Station (Hartford), the Springfield Union Station, and the Worcester Union Station. The village is also near the Amtrak Vermonter (train) and the CTfastrak bus rapid transit system.

Category:Villages in Connecticut