Stratford, Connecticut

Stratford, Connecticut. Located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Stratford is situated near the Housatonic River and is bordered by the cities of Bridgeport, Connecticut and Shelton, Connecticut. The town has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Native American era, and has been home to notable figures such as P.T. Barnum and William H. Burr. Stratford is also close to the Long Island Sound and is near several major highways, including Interstate 95 and the Merritt Parkway.

Geography

Stratford is situated in the southwestern part of Connecticut, near the Housatonic River and the Long Island Sound. The town is bordered by the cities of Bridgeport, Connecticut to the west and Shelton, Connecticut to the east, and is also near the towns of Trumbull, Connecticut and Fairfield, Connecticut. Stratford is located near several major highways, including Interstate 95, the Merritt Parkway, and Route 8. The town is also close to several parks and nature reserves, including the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge and the Penfield Beach. Notable nearby landmarks include the Klein Memorial Auditorium and the Beardsley Zoo.

History

The area that is now Stratford was first inhabited by the Native American Paugussett tribe, who settled in the region near the Housatonic River. In the early 17th century, the area was colonized by English settlers, who established the town of Cupheag Plantation in 1639. The town was later renamed Stratford, Connecticut in 1643, and was a major center for the production of shipbuilding and fishing during the American colonial era. Stratford was also home to several notable figures, including P.T. Barnum, who was born in the town in 1810 and went on to found the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Other notable residents include William H. Burr, who served as a United States Representative from 1847 to 1849, and John William Sterling, who was a prominent lawyer and philanthropist.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the population of Stratford was approximately 51,384 people, with a population density of around 3,502 people per square mile. The town has a diverse population, with a mix of European American, African American, Asian American, and Hispanic and Latino American residents. Stratford is also home to a number of notable institutions, including the Stratford School District, which operates several schools in the town, including Stratford High School and Bunnell High School. The town is also served by several major hospitals, including the Bridgeport Hospital and the St. Vincent's Medical Center.

Economy

The economy of Stratford is diverse, with a mix of manufacturing, retail, and service-based industries. The town is home to several major companies, including the Sikorsky Aircraft company, which is a leading manufacturer of helicopters and other aerospace products. Stratford is also a major center for the production of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, with companies such as Bayer and Pfizer operating facilities in the town. The town is also served by several major shopping centers, including the Westfield Trumbull mall and the Hawley Lane Mall.

Education

Stratford is served by the Stratford School District, which operates several schools in the town, including Stratford High School and Bunnell High School. The town is also home to several private schools, including the St. James School and the Stratford Christian Academy. Stratford is also close to several major universities, including the University of Bridgeport, Fairfield University, and Sacred Heart University. The town is also served by the Stratford Public Library, which offers a range of educational and cultural programs for residents.

Government

The government of Stratford is a mayor-council government, with a mayor and a town council that is responsible for making laws and overseeing the town's government. The town is also served by several major law enforcement agencies, including the Stratford Police Department and the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office. Stratford is also represented in the Connecticut General Assembly by several state legislators, including State Senator Kevin Kelly and State Representative Joe Gresko. The town is also a member of the Southwestern Connecticut Council of Governments, which is a regional planning agency that serves several towns in southwestern Connecticut, including Darien, Connecticut, Greenwich, Connecticut, and Stamford, Connecticut.