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THE STORY OF LORDSHIP


        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 waterfront
        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 Parkway 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 Metro 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 American 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 inventory 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. Stratford 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 collection of Americana. 
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