Bridgeport is a historic seaport city in the U.S. state of Connecticut, and its largest city. With a population of 148,654 in 2020, it is also the fifth-most populous in New England. It was the seat of Fairfield County, at one time Connecticut’s wealthiest county, and center for industry.
Bridgeport was founded in 1644 (as “Puritan Village”) by English Puritans migrating from Massachusetts. It was the scene of several key events of the American Revolution, such as the Battle of Black Rock, during which George Washington forced the British to retreat from the city in 1779.
Bridgeport’s economy was dominated for many years by the manufacturing sector, but it has diversified in recent decades into finance, insurance, real estate, and professional services. In addition to its port on Long Island Sound, Bridgeport also is home to Sikorsky Aircraft, a major manufacturer of helicopters and other aircraft. The city is also home to the University of Bridgeport, a private university.
Bridgeport has a long and rich history as a seaport city. Nowadays, it is known for its diverse economy and its robust arts and culture scene. In particular, the city has a thriving theater and music scene, with many theaters and performance venues. Bridgeport is also home to the University of Bridgeport, a private university with a strong focus on business and entrepreneurship. The city is home to a variety of museums, including the Beardsley Zoo and the Barnum Museum. Bridgeport is also a popular destination for shopping, with a variety of malls and shops in the city.