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Fairfield County Area Guide

Fairfield County is located in the southwestern corner of Connecticut. Its population according to the 2000 census was approximately 882,600. It is the most populous county in Connecticut and contains four of the state’s largest cities.

Fairfield County is one of the highest-income counties in the United States, which helps to make Connecticut one of the richest states in the U.S. In addition to its wealthy communities, Fairfield County is also home to lower-middle and working class-cities such as Bridgeport and Norwalk.

History

Fairfield County was the home of many small, unconnected Native American tribes prior to the coming of the Europeans. The Dutch explorer Adriaen Block explored coastal Connecticut in the spring and early summer of 1614. The first European settlers of the county, however, were Puritans and Congregationalists from England. Roger Ludlow, one of the founders of the Colony of Connecticut, helped to purchase and charter the towns of Fairfield and Norwalk. Ludlow is credited as having chosen the name Fairfield.

Fairfield County was established by an act of the Connecticut General Court in Hartford along with Hartford County, New Haven County, and New London County; which were the first four Connecticut counties, on May 10, 1666.

The original Fairfield County consisted of the towns of Rye, Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk, Fairfield and Stratford. In 1673, the town of Woodbury was incorporated and added to Fairfield County. In 1683, New York and Connecticut reached a final agreement regarding their common border. This resulted in the cession of the town of Rye to New York. From the late 17th to early 18th centuries, several new towns were incorporated in western Connecticut and added to Fairfield County, namely Danbury, Ridgefield, Newtown and New Fairfield. The final boundary adjustment to Fairfield County occurred in 1788 when the town of Brookfield was incorporated from parts of Newtown, Danbury and New Milford, with Fairfield County gaining territory from Litchfield County.

Parks and Recreation

With 30 miles of coast, you can get your ocean fix here in Fairfield County. Tour an island lighthouse, kayak the Norwalk Islands or take a sunset sail. You can even go on an educational eco-study cruise to learn about the habitats and inhabitants of Long Island Sound. In Coastal Fairfield County, you’ll find a 10,000-seat sports arena, public golf courses, beautiful parks and so much more.

For a complete list of parks in Fairfield County click here  

For the Fairfield Parks & Recreation Department website click here

Events

Fairfield County has it all from festivals, fairs and fireworks. No matter what time of year you visit, you're sure to find a fun event the whole family will enjoy. South Norwalk's Oyster Festival is not to be missed. If you like drama, you'll love Shakespeare On The Sound in Rowayton. And the holiday season gets kicked off with the Balloon Parade Spectacular in Stamford, sure to thrill kids of all ages.

For more information on events in Fairfield visit the events calendar by clicking here

Attractions

Interested in art? Thrilled by history? Excited by science? Then Coastal Fairfield County is the destination for you. Whether you’re looking for a world-class art museum, a spectacular zoo or a nationally acclaimed aquarium, you’re sure to find something that excites you here.

For a complete list of events in Fairfield County click here

For more information on Fairfield County visit the Tourism website by clicking here