Page 11 - Stonybrook Flipbook

The Story of Stratford

Founded in 1639, Stratford is a community rich in history and abundant natural beauty. Situated on
Long Island Sound, and bounded to the east by the Housatonic River, Stratford has long viewed its wa-
terfront as an important natural resource. The Town's location on Long Island Sound affords residents
and visitors alike with two public bathing beaches, five marinas, several fishing piers and two public
boat-launching facilities. Within an hour's drive of New York City, Stratford is the easternmost town in
Fairfield County-Connecticut's Gold Coast. Major highways such as I-95, Route 8/25 and the Merritt Park-
way bisect Stratford, and provide convenient access to the entire Northeast corridor. The deep water
harbor of neighboring Bridgeport provide excellent docking and terminal facilities for either domestic
or overseas shipping, in addition to ferry passenger service to Long Island. Rail service provided by Met-
ro North with connections to Amtrak further round out an excellent array of transportation choices.

Stratford has a long association with the aviation industry. Stratford became the birthplace of the Amer-
ican helicopter industry, when in 1939, a Russian immigrant, Igor Sikorsky, successfully flew the first
helicopter at his Stratford-based aircraft plant. More than a half-century later, Sikorsky Aircraft, the

world's leading helicopter manufacturer, still designs and produces state-of the art helicopters for both
military and commercial applications at its sprawling manufacturing facility on Stratford's north side.
Drawn by a highly skilled and productive work force, excellent access to transportation, and a large in-
ventory of affordable housing, it's no surprise that many businesses have chosen to call Stratford home.

The diversity of Stratford's natural resources is as rich as its cultural heritage, ranging from the 250
acre, town owned Roosevelt Forest to the Great Meadows Salt Marsh, one of the largest salt marshes
remaining in New England and now a portion of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. Strat-
ford is host to a variety of cultural attractions as well, including the Boothe Memorial Park, a Municipally
owned park and museum showcasing an assortment of architecturally unique structures and vast col-
lection of Americana.

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