Fairfield - Past and Present
Roger Ludlowe, Deputy Governor of Connecticut, first set eyes on fair fields in 1637. Impressed by its lush meadows, salt marshes and harbors, he returned in 1639 to purchase the land known to the Indians as Uncoway – “looking forward, a valley.” With the arrival of colonists who farmed or raised cattle, the small settlement continued to grow into an agricultural community. The name was changed to Fairfield in the 1640’s and its boundaries included Greens Farms, Southport, Easton, Weston, and Redding. By 1654, with 94 households, Fairfield was the fourth most populated town in the growing colony.Today, Fairfield is a unique combination of city and country. It is a town of approximately 58,000 residents and encompasses an area of 30.6 square miles. Residential in character, it has a number of businesses and industries. There are two miles of public shoreline on Long Island Sound, two hundred acres of parks, and an array of recreational facilities including golf, tennis and boating. The variety of cultural programs offered supplement the events found in the larger neighboring cities.
Fairfield is deeply committed to preserving its history and maintains three nationally-designated historic districts – the Old Post Road, designed by Roger Ludlowe as a public space, where Old Town Hall and Independence Hall are located today; Southport, with its narrow streets, slate slab sidewalks and ivy-covered brick walls, retains the ambiance of a colonial village; and Greenfield Hill, where many pre-Revolutionary houses remain today.
Kayak along the shores of Long Island Sound, hike the trail around Lake Mohegan, enjoy a performance at the Quick Center, dance to the music of the Emerald Isle at the Annual Irish Festival, take the kids to the Peanut Butter Jam Sessions at the Sherman Green Gazebo, browse the various antique and craft festivals, and shop the Greenfield Hill Farmers’ Market. Whatever you choose, be sure to take advantage of the many things that Fairfield has to offer; it will be the perfect opportunity to meet Fairfield’s greatest asset – its people!
You have settled in a wonderful town. WELCOME!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 3:50 PM