Stamford was signed over to European settlers in July of 1640, and has been home to a mixed bag of historic landmarks, happenings and people ever since. Originally called Rippowam by the natives, the city has transformed itself in many ways not limited to its name. Signs of change in Stamford are visible; from new developments and renewal projects, to historic buildings still standing in the city, to a meticulous historical society determined to maintain the city’s old-world integrity and charm. Stamford has a rich history still available for you to see—you need only know where to look. Those of you traveling by foot may want to stroll Stamford’s South-End historic district, bordered by Penn Central railroad tracks, Stamford Canal, Woodland Cemetery, and Washington Boulevard. For information about other sites in Stamford, be sure to contact the city’s historic center (information listed below).

Stamford Historic Center
http://www.stamfordhistory.org
1508 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT 06903
(203) 329-1183
First stop on any tour of Stamford’s historic sites is the Stamford Historic Center, established in 1901, where you can treat yourself to some of the most knowledgeable historians in the area. Through September, you can also catch the organization’s current art exhibit, “The Lost Streets of Stamford”, which takes visitors on a visual tour of photographs documenting streets destroyed in Stamford’s urban downtown redevelopment plan, begun in 1952. Visit the center’s Web site for information on upcoming exhibits, volunteer opportunities, and more.

Sterling Farms
http://www.sterlingfarmsgc.com
1349 Newfield Ave.
Stamford, CT 06905
(203) 461-9090
Sterling Farms is an interesting example of urban renewal—and one of the best places in Stamford to sample delicious seafood. Once a 144-acre dairy farm servicing Stamford, the property now houses an 18-hole public golf facility.

Oliver Street Bridge
This iron lenticular truss bridge was built in 1887 by Berline Iron Bridge Company, and marks the site where Mill River, a small stream, was dammed to provide Stamford with additional water.

Old Town Hall
http://www.cityofstamford.org/apps/oldtownhall/default.asp
Atlantic Street
Stamford, CT
Stamford’s Old Town Hall has stood unoccupied for almost 20 years. Built in 1905, the grand space includes murals, sculptures, intricate architecture and design, and is a registered Historic Landmark. The space received multiple grants for renovations and improvements—finalized plans are still in the works.

The Hoyt Barnum House
http://www.stamfordhistory.org/hbh.htm
713 Bedford Street
Stamford, CT
Visits by appointment only
(203) 329-1183
The Hoyt Barnum House represents post-1675 American building architecture. Completed in 1699, the farmhouse was home to one Samuel Hoyt, a blacksmith who died in 1738. The building is listed as a National Historic Landmark and is today owned and operated by the Stamford Historical Society. The home is made of wood; the fireplaces from clay, animal hair and straw.

Fort Stamford
900 Westover Rd
Stamford, CT 06902
Referring to this site as “Fort Stamford” is a misnomer; in fact, the original fort is no longer, now replaced by a beautiful garden, wisteria trellis, Italianate balustrade, and vast lawns. Many efforts are underway, led by the Fort Stamford Preservation Coalition, to restore the historical aspects of the site; a continuation from efforts started in 1974 to study the fort’s remains.
Three hundred men manned an earthworks operation there under General David Waterbury’s command from 1781 to 1783; the location gave those stationed at the fort clear views of the Long Island Sound.

Soldiers and Sailors Monument
St. John’s Park
Main, Grove, and Elm streets
Stamford, CT
At 34 feet tall and at a cost in 1920 of more than $50,000, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument is a testament to Stamford’s residents and their commitment to honoring those who fought for the United States in war from 1641 to 1918—4,400 names are inscribed on the structure. This is one of the largest war memorials in Connecticut. Soldiers and Sailors is in the center of St. John’s Park, which was, at its beginning, nestled amidst a residential neighborhood. The park is now flanked by Stamford’s high rises. The monument is modeled after the Choragic monument in Athens, Greece.

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