Page 28 - 8 Bradley Street

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 and early settlers, charmed by the lovely locale, began arriving
around 1648. The area quickly developed into a bustling agricultural and trade center
with wharves, stores, taverns and 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
and musicians who flocked to the town giving it a slightly bohemian, charmingly off-beat quality.
The creative influx flourished and theater, music, art galleries appeared. Likewise and of equal
enjoyment,tennis, boating and golf became popular, and fine educational institutions were

founded. Well established families brought a beehive of cultural activity & businessmen flock
ed to the town’s quality of life.

Today, the population is a comfortable mix of families, small business owners and
commuters, all drawn to the vitality of a thriving intellectual community. A
dichotomy between affluent suburbia and 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 and

facilities, a quintessential main street and a phenomenal host of
eateries and shops all drenched in cosmopolitan flair,
Westport offers something for everyone. A picture perfect
marina, wonderful sandy beaches, a town golf course,
pool and skating rink are just some of this smal
l town’s treasures. Celebrating a beautiful
coastline on Long Island Sound, Westport

is ideally located 45 miles northeast
of NYC.