Explore Norwalk
Norwalk is a vibrant coastal city with an area of 36.3 square miles (22.8 land and 13.5 water) and a population of approximately 84,000 residents on Long Island Sound and adjacent to Darien, New Canaan, Wilton and Westport, Connecticut.
In 1640, Roger Ludlowe, Deputy Governor of Connecticut, purchased land between the Saugatuck and Norwalk Rivers. Combined with land later purchased by Captain Daniel Patrick, Norwalk was established as a town in 1651. In 1776, Nathan Hale, a soldier for the Continental Army and considered America’s first spy, set out from Norwalk on an intelligence gathering mission but was captured by the British. Before being hanged, he gave a speech and is most notably remembered saying, “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country”. Nathan Hale was designated the State Hero of Connecticut in 1985.) In 1779, led by General William Tryon with an army of 2600 British and Hessian soldiers, Norwalk was raided and burned. Only six houses were left standing. When the Revolutionary War ended, the industrious citizens of Norwalk rebuilt the town. In addition to farming, Norwalk prospered through manufacturing, coastal trade, ship building and, of course, oystering. By 1880, with the largest fleet of steam powered oyster boats in the world, the oyster business was thriving. Norwalk earned the nickname “Oyster Town” at the turn of the 20th century. Norwalk is now home to the country’s largest oyster company, Hillard Bloom Shellfish, and holds an annual Oyster Festival each September.
Norwalk offers many unique neighborhoods including: East Norwalk, Rowayton, Silvermine, Cranbury and Norwalk Center. Route 1/Post Road is home to Stew Leonard’s, the world’s largest dairy store and farm fresh super market. Exciting and historic South Norwalk (SoNo) explodes with excellent, Zagat rated restaurants and trendy, upscale boutiques. With an extreme emphasis on historic preservation of landmark buildings and the beautification of the waterfront, Norwalk also encourages the development of new office and retail complexes as well as cultural and recreational facilities.
We look forward to welcoming you to Norwalk!