Bradley Edge Tool Company Historic District
Roughly, Lyons Plains Rd. N and S of jct. with White Birch Rd., Weston, CTThe Bradley Edge Tool Company Historic District encompasses a significant representative residential community that developed in association with rural industry in Weston's Saugatuck River Valley. Historically associated with the town's largest producer of metal products, the Bradley Edge Tool Company, it contains a high concentration of well-preserved mid-nineteenth-century residences, including a number of local examples of rural workers' housing. Of particular architectural significance are the well-preserved vernacular expressions of Greek Revival and Italianate domestic architecture associated with factory owners and farmers in the district.
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The first recorded submarine attack in history occurred in Connecticut during the American Revolution. On September 6, 1776, the American submarine Turtle attempted to attach a bomb to a British ship in New York Harbor, but the mission was ultimately unsuccessful.
About Fairfield County
Fairfield County Timeline
Fairfield County, located in the southwestern corner of Connecticut, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by the indigenous Paugussett tribe, who lived off the land and engaged in trade with neighboring tribes. European settlers first arrived in the late 1630s, when men from Hartford purchased land from the Paugussett people, establishing the town of Stratford.
In the 18th century, Fairfield County played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. The region saw several important battles, including the famous Battle of Ridgefield, where American forces fought against British troops. Fairfield County also served as a strategic location for supplying and supporting the Continental Army, as it provided access to both Long Island Sound and the Hudson River.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Fairfield County experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization. Towns like Norwalk and Bridgeport became major manufacturing centers, producing goods such as textiles, machinery, and firearms. The growth of these industries brought an influx of immigrants to the area, particularly from Ireland and Italy, who played a vital role in its economic development.
Today, Fairfield County is known for its affluent communities, thriving business sectors, and cultural attractions. The county is home to renowned educational institutions, including Yale University in New Haven, and a variety of museums, theaters, and art galleries. With its picturesque coastline, charming towns, and proximity to New York City, Fairfield County continues to attract residents and visitors alike, preserving its rich history while embracing the opportunities of the present.
In the 18th century, Fairfield County played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. The region saw several important battles, including the famous Battle of Ridgefield, where American forces fought against British troops. Fairfield County also served as a strategic location for supplying and supporting the Continental Army, as it provided access to both Long Island Sound and the Hudson River.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Fairfield County experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization. Towns like Norwalk and Bridgeport became major manufacturing centers, producing goods such as textiles, machinery, and firearms. The growth of these industries brought an influx of immigrants to the area, particularly from Ireland and Italy, who played a vital role in its economic development.
Today, Fairfield County is known for its affluent communities, thriving business sectors, and cultural attractions. The county is home to renowned educational institutions, including Yale University in New Haven, and a variety of museums, theaters, and art galleries. With its picturesque coastline, charming towns, and proximity to New York City, Fairfield County continues to attract residents and visitors alike, preserving its rich history while embracing the opportunities of the present.
Fairfield County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Fairfield County, Connecticut.
- 1639 - Fairfield County is settled by English colonists from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
- 1660 - The town of Fairfield is officially incorporated.
- 1665 - The town of Norwalk is settled and officially incorporated.
- 1685 - The town of Stamford is settled and officially incorporated.
- 1724 - The town of Danbury is settled and officially incorporated.
- 1739 - The dividing line between Fairfield County and New Haven County is established.
- 1784 - The town of Ridgefield is settled and officially incorporated.
- 1851 - The town of Bridgeport is settled and officially incorporated.
- 1871 - The town of Greenwich is settled and officially incorporated.
- 1974 - The town of Newtown is settled and officially incorporated.
- 2000 - Fairfield County becomes the most populous county in Connecticut.