With a population of more than 88,000, Norwalk is the sixth largest city in the state of Connecticut. It was founded in February of 1640 via a purchase by Roger Ludlow of land between the Saugatuck and Norwalk Rivers. Captain Daniel Patrick purchased an additional portion of land soon after, and Norwalk was declared a town by the General Court of Connecticut in 1651. During the Revolutionary War period, Norwalk was burned by a large force of Hessian and British soldiers, leaving only six homes untouched.
After the war, the citizens of Norwalk rebuilt the town. Beginning as a farming community, Norwalk soon developed into a major seaport for the shipping trade, and later became an important manufacturing center for many years, producing clocks, watches, paper, pottery, hardware and hats. The oyster business also boomed, and remains vibrant to this day.
Today, Norwalk boasts an active, progressive and diverse business and corporate community. The pioneering and prestigious Merritt 7 Corporate Park, a cornerstone of Norwalk economic development, now boasts six buildings, and continues to be home to various corporate offices, as well as numerous small and mid-sized businesses.
Norwalk continues to be a strong tourist attraction in Fairfield County and the state of Connecticut. Norwalk’s main attractions include The Maritime Aquarium, the Stepping Stone Museum for Children, the Lockwood Mathews Mansion, historic South Norwalk, Sheffield Island Lighthouse, and the Norwalk Museum.