Page 26 - Terhune Flipbook

The Story of Westport

Like many New England towns, Westport’s unique character can be

traced to the town’s roots in Native American tribes. Local Indians
used the beautiful shoreline for their summer camps & early settlers,

charmed by the lovely locale, began arriving around 1648. The
area quickly developed into a bustling agricultural & trade center

with wharves, stores, taverns & homes during the Revolutionary
War, the local militia played a major role, engaging the retreating

British in a skirmish near Compo Beach where a Minuteman statue
commemorates the event. It wasn’t until 1835 that the region became

incorporated as a town, breaking off from the original town of
Fairfield.

Soon after the turn of the 20th century, Westport was again

discovered, this time by artists, writers & musicians who flocked
to the town giving it a slightly bohemian, charmingly off-beat

quality. The creative influx flourished & theater, music, art galleries
appeared. Likewise & of equal enjoyment, tennis, boating & golf

became popular, & fine educational institutions were founded.
Well established families brought a beehive of cultural activity &

businessmen flocked to the town’s quality of life.

Today, the population is a comfortable mix of families, small
business owners & commuters, all drawn to the vitality of a thriving

intellectual community. A dichotomy between affluent suburbia &
old New England milieu, Westport retains all the charm of a small

New England town with the gifts that come along with obtaining
the American dream. Boasting a population filled with exceptional

schools, impressive recreational programs & facilities, a quintessential
main street & a phenomenal host of eateries & shops all drenched in

cosmopolitan flair, Westport offers something for everyone. A picture
perfect marina, wonderful sandy beaches, a town golf course, pool &

skating rink are just some of this small town’s treasures. Celebrating a
beautiful coastline on Long Island Sound, Westport is ideally located

45 miles northeast of NYC.