Introduction to Stratford, Connecticut
Stratford, Connecticut, in Fairfield county, is 3 miles E of Bridgeport, Connecticut and 53 miles NE of New York, New York. The town is considered part of the Bridgeport metropolitan area.
Stratford History
Stratford was founded as part of the Great Migration in 1639 by Reverend Adam Blakeman, the Puritan leader. William Beardsley and several other English families seeking religious freedom were the first European settlers in the area. It was originally known as Cupheag, but the early settlers renamed it after an English town. Until his death in 1665, Blakeman ruled Stratford. However, the Connecticut government assumed political control over the town in the late 1600s. The first Anglican church of Connecticut was also built in the town in 1707.
Stratford and nearby Attractions
- Boothe Memorial Park & Museum
- John A. Minetto State Park
- Capt. David Judson House
- Garbage Museum
- Beardsley Zoological Gardens
- Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
Things To Do In Stratford
You can visit the Judson House Museum, the Boothe Memorial Museum, the Catharine B. Mitchell Museum and the National Helicopter Museum while staying at Stratford. Long Beach and Russian Beach are also ideal destinations for spending your leisure time. Short Beach offers three picnic pavilions, a skateboard park and courts for basketball, volleyball, softball and tennis. You can also opt for a day trip to the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. The Roosevelt Forest is also worth visiting.
Stratford Transportation
Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Airport is nearby.
Stratford Higher Education
Higher educational facilities are offered by Sacred Heart University, the University of New Haven, Gateway Community College and Fairfield University.
