Positioned on the Housatonic River on the Long Island Sound, Stratford, Connecticut, is located in Fairfield County and has a population of 51,384. It is the 17th largest city in the state. The city is comprised of several different neighborhoods, which are predominantly made up of single-family housing with a spattering of townhomes and apartments.
Puritans led by Adam Blakeman founded the area in 1639 and the community was recognized as the Cupheag Plantation. The growing community was largely made up of migrants fleeing religious persecution in Europe. Many historical sites and a number of the first settler’s descendants remain in the area today. While its roots can still be seen, the city has come a long way, and it has been particularly influenced by the aircraft industry. Igor Sikrosky developed one of the world’s first commercial helicopters and successfully flew it in Stratford. Today, the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation remains the city’s largest employer, and community members can attend the National Helicopter Museum.
Students in the area attend public schools managed by the Stratford Board of Education, and there are nine elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. There are also two private schools and an alternative high school in the area. The area is also home to multiple vocational schools including the Connecticut School of Broadcasting, Porter and Chester’s Institute and Stratford School for Aviation Maintenance Technicians. Stratford is also home to a number of cultural and historical attractions. The Boothe Memorial Park is covered with expansive parkland that still supports the original Boothe Homestead. The American Shakespeare Theatre has hosted a number of famous actors including Katherine Hepburn and Paul Newman and is under the process of being renovated. The Stratford Library also hosts Shakespeare in the Park in the summer months. These activities along with a multitude of others keep the community busy. This historic bustling town truly provides a rich culture for those who choose to call it home.
