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Early in the 1600s, the first settlers, a group of hardy souls
led by Roger Ludlowe, traveled south and west from Hartford
through dense woodlands and over swift rivers to “the place
beyond,” a place rich with abundant game and pleasing to the
eye, the
Unquoway Indians’ beloved homelands. Miles of salt marsh,
perfect for grazing cattle, ran along the coast, giving rise to
the name “Fair Fields,” and, as the population grew and cleared
land for homes, so did the town’s area; at one time it
encompassed Redding, Weston, Easton, Greens Farms, Black Rock
and most of Westport. As more settlers arrived and cleared “long
lots” for grazing and farming, Fairfield prospered,
incorporating as a town in 1639. Black Rock and Southport
developed deep water ports serving the burgeoning population
between New York and Boston with cargoes of wheat, flax, timber,
livestock and the world-famous Southport Globe onion.
History still plays an important role in Fairfield, apparent in
the lovely historic homes, names of schools and streets, and in
the many programs offered the public through the Historical
Society and Ogden House. It is, however, a town completely in
the 21st century, offering children high tech playgrounds,
commuters the fast, efficient service of Metro-North trains,
Seniors wonderful programs and continuing education, fabulous
restaurants, top-notch universities, parades, summer concerts in
the gazebo on the Green, and the Dogwood and Irish Festivals.
Fairfield has something for everyone. |
