Established more than 300 years ago as a fishing port and harbor, Norwalk has had a long and interesting history. Colonial leader and lawmaker Roger Ludlow purchased the land that would become Norwalk in 1640 from the Indians. The town was incorporated in 1651 and soon prospered due to its proximity to the water. Steamboats arrived in the 1800s and Norwalk was established as a major port, specializing in the oyster trade. During the Revolutionary War, area residents took part in the notorious “Battle of the Rocks,” a heinous battle in which the British almost completely destroyed the town.

Yet the spirit of progress prevailed, and today Norwalk is a thriving coastal city with a flourishing business district, world-class culture and recreation, and a wealth of natural resources. The outstanding quality of life in Norwalk is enhanced by its harbor, which has evolved into one of New England’s largest recreational marinas. Every year, the residents of Norwalk host an Oyster Festival to celebrate their seafaring past. Other recreational venues in the area include Cranbury Park, Calf Pasture Beach and Veteran’s Park Marina. Norwalk also offers exciting cultural destinations, such as the Greater Norwalk Community Theatre, the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra and Youth Symphony, and the Artist’s Gallery of Southwestern Connecticut. The Lockwood-Matthew Mansion Museum, Norwalk Museum and the Gallagher Estate in Cranbury Park are popular historical sites.

Though Norwalk is becoming increasingly residential, its economy is flourishing thanks to the presence of a commuter rail and an influx of corporate offices and research facilities. Major employers such as Kodak Polychrome Graphics, Northrop Grumman Norden Division, Pepperidge Farm, Inc., and Virgin Atlantic Airways have established a presence in Norwalk. The SoNo district, with its amazing variety of shops, restaurants and sophisticated attractions, is thriving through revitalization. Residents continue to celebrate their city’s rich and varied past while enjoying the dynamics of its modern present.