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Bridgeport, Connecticut

Located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Bridgeport was founded in 1639. P.T. Barnum served as Bridgeport's mayor. Bridgeport was CT's largest and most industrialized city.
Founded 1639 | Population 153,542 | Peak 153,542 (2024) | County Fairfield County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Bridgeport, Connecticut

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1836P.T. Barnum Era: Showman makes Bridgeport home; serves as mayor.
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1875Industrial Powerhouse: Manufacturing hub: sewing machines, ammunition, corsets.
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1916WWI Munitions Capital: Remington Arms makes Bridgeport America's munitions capital.
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1991City Files Bankruptcy: Post-industrial decline leads to municipal bankruptcy filing.
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2004Harbor Redevelopment: Waterfront revitalization efforts begin.
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Complete Historical Timeline

1836 Culture
P.T. Barnum Era
1875 Industry
Industrial Powerhouse
1916 Industry
WWI Munitions Capital
1991 Government
City Files Bankruptcy
2004 Business
Harbor Redevelopment

Did You Know?

1
P.T. Barnum served as Bridgeport's mayor.
2
Bridgeport was CT's largest and most industrialized city.
3
The Frisbie Pie Company here inspired the Frisbee—students threw pie tins.
4
Bridgeport is located in Fairfield County, Connecticut.
5
Bridgeport was founded in 1639.

Famous People from Bridgeport, Connecticut

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Robert Mitchum
Screenwriter, Actor · Born Aug 6, 1917 · Died Jul 1, 1997 (age 79)
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John Mayer
Actor, Composer · Born Oct 16, 1977 · Age 48
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Brian Dennehy
Screenwriter, Actor · Born Jul 9, 1938 · Died Apr 15, 2020 (age 81)
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Alexandra Breckenridge
Voice Actor, Television Actor · Born May 15, 1982 · Age 43
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Edwin H. Land
Photographer, Entrepreneur · Born May 7, 1909 · Died Mar 1, 1991 (age 81)
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