History
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History

In the early 1800’s, after a number of name changes and the official declaration as a “city”, the borough of Bridgeport was experiencing tremendous growth. The quiet farming and seaport villages that defined the city were enjoying prosperous times. The official census counted 1,089 residents, 123 homes, two churches and eighteen sailing vessels.

The first trains of the Housatonic Railroad Company came steaming into Bridgeport in 1840, bringing freight from ports in New York, Boston and Baltimore. The combination of the railway and the harbor laid the groundwork for the industrial era and the rise of the entrepreneurial spirit. Among those who’ve etched their names in Bridgeport’s history are Phineas T. Barnum, reknown showman, publisher and former mayor; Elias Howe inventor of the sewing machine; Gustave Whitehead, credited with the first successful powered flight and Harvey Hubbell, inventor of the electric plug and pull-chain light socket.

By the late 1800’s the city’s population was nearing 20,000, over the next few years it tripled as immigrants, boasting more than sixty ethnic groups, established themselves in diverse neighborhoods. Today, the city occupies 18 square miles and boasts a population of more than 139,000 residents. As the largest city in Connecticut, Bridgeport has spent the last few years undergoing a strategic revitalization effort which continues to provide opportunities for residential and commercial development. Unlike most nearby urban centers, downtown Bridgeport is compact and easy to negotiate. Residents can walk to theaters, restaurants, museums and galleries, or to the Intermodal Transportation Center for bus, cab train or ferry transport. This variety and accessibility provides an appealing part of the urban experience for both working or playing in Bridgeport.

Photos are from the Bridgeport Public Library’s Historical Collection.

  • Paul S. Timpanelli, President & CEO of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council oversees the city’s progress from atop the BRBC’s headquarters at 10 Middle Street in Downtown Bridgeport. Through it’s 135 year history as Bridgeport’s premier business association, the Counc...

  • Main St. & Fairfield Ave.

  • Italian immigrant Sylvester Z. Poli who was known for his wax sculptures in New York, went on to establish theaters throughout the US. Poli’s Palace in Downtown  Bridgeport provided a lavish experience for theater goers with mirror and gold leaf decorations, marble and crystal chandeliers, cu...

  • The circulation room was just one of many specialty rooms which occupied the top three floors of the Burroughs building. Additional rooms include the Klein Porcelain Room, displaying Chinese porcelain, paintings and etchings; the Henry A. Bishop Room, home to the Historical Collection for over 50 ye...

  • The mid-nineteenth century saw tremendous growth in the banking industry, paving the way for some today’s banking institutions. Bridgeport Bank was chartered in 1806, laying the foundation for Connecticut National Bank; People’s Bank was chartered in 1842 with Mechanics and Farmers follo...

  • City Savings Bank of Bridgeport was chartered in 1859 and weathered many storms through the years. Eventually the decline in manufacturing, which gave rise to the prosperity of banking industry was also to blame for it’s deterioration.

  • In the early 60′s the City planned a conventional suburban style mall, redirecting several city streets to create a superblock to accommodate the two-level enclosed shopping mall. Lafayette Plaza opened it’s doors in 1968 showcasing many modern conveniences including climate control, esc...

  • Founded in 1880, the Bridgeport Public Library was established in the Burroughs building on the corner of Main and John streets. Today the Burroughs-Saden Branch of the Bridgeport Public Library is housed on Broad Street in a building erected in 1927.

  • The grandeur of the Palace Theater brought the big screen to the city, drawing neighboring residents to see what was Connecticut’s largest theater complex of its day. Taking its place, the Arena at Harbor Yard along with the Ballpark at Harbor Yard, draw crowds for a variety of events from concert...

  • Water Street has always been the center for transportation. Today commuters access the city from the centralized location of the Intermodal Transportation Center which provides access to local and regional buses, taxis and the city’s railroad platform.

  • The Water Street Harbor was a hub of activity during the late 1800’s, as both ships and rail cars transported goods in and out of the city. Still a busy harbor for industrial and recreational use, the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company runs 3 vessels daily.

  • A number of saloons ran along Middle and Water streets creating the hub of nightlife in the city during the turn of the century. Today a selection of fine restaurants as well as casual bars, are located throughout Downtown Bridgeport.

  • Founded by major city philanthropists, Bank Mart purchased the former Bridgeport National Bank property and constructed the building which is currently home to the City’s Special Education offices.