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

Dec 15, 2015
After Prison Former Bridgeport Connecticut Mayor Wants Old Job Back
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — On December 15, 2015, former Mayor Joseph G. Ganim made headlines by throwing his hat back into the ring for…
Jul 12, 2015
Little Girl Hears Word her Grandma Said Goes Video
HARTFORD, Connecticut – Back in July 2015, a simple family moment turned into an internet sensation that captured hearts across …
Apr 5, 2015
Connecticut Police Probe Possible Human Remains Tie Missing Couple
Hartford, Conn. – On a chilly April day in 2015, Connecticut police launched an urgent investigation after workers stumbled upon…

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

Other Cities in Connecticut

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New Haven
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Hartford
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W
Waterbury
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D
Danbury
Pop. 86,420
NB
New Britain
Pop. 72,600
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