Stratford

About Stratford

Perched where the Housatonic River meets Long Island Sound, Stratford is a waterfront town with a surprisingly rich identity — part aviation pioneer, part theater legend, part coastal New England gem. It carries a genuine small-city energy with deep historical roots and a location that makes it one of Fairfield County's most interesting communities to explore.

What to Know

• Stratford was home to Sikorsky Aircraft, where Igor Sikorsky developed and flew the first practical American helicopter in 1939 — a landmark moment in aviation history.
• The American Shakespeare Theatre, once a nationally celebrated festival stage that attracted stars like Katharine Hepburn and James Earl Jones, still stands along the river as a beloved (if long-dormant) local landmark.
• Short Beach and Long Beach offer residents scenic stretches of coastline perfect for fishing, kayaking, and summer relaxation.
• Stratford is named after Stratford-upon-Avon, England — Shakespeare's birthplace — which makes the town's theatrical heritage feel all the more fitting.
• The town is served by Stratford Public Schools, with several schools serving students across the community.

History

Stratford was founded in 1639 by Reverend Adam Blakeman and a group of Puritan settlers, making it one of Connecticut's oldest communities, formally incorporated in 1643. In the 20th century, it became a hub of American industrial innovation through Sikorsky's helicopter work and military manufacturing during World War II — a legacy that still shapes the town's identity today.

Community & Living

Stratford has the feel of a town that rewards curiosity — whether you're walking its historic neighborhoods, catching a sunset over the Sound, or discovering its unexpected connections to aviation and the arts. Residents tend to appreciate the balance of suburban calm, waterfront access, and easy proximity to Bridgeport and New Haven.