History of Bridgeport, Connecticut in Timeline
Bridgeport, Connecticut, is the state's most populous city and the fifth-most populous in New England, boasting a population of approximately 148,654 as of 2020. Situated in Fairfield County at the mouth of the Pequonnock River on Long Island Sound, it functions as a port city. Its location is about 60 miles from Manhattan and 40 miles from The Bronx. Bridgeport is part of both the Greater Bridgeport Planning Region and the Bridgeport–Stamford–Norwalk–Danbury metropolitan statistical area, which in turn is integrated into the larger New York metropolitan area.
2 hours ago : Bridgeport Appoints Francisco Rivera as New Emergency Operations Director after promotion.
Bridgeport, Connecticut, has appointed Francisco Rivera as the new Director of Emergency Operations, promoting him from within the department. Rivera is expected to bring valuable experience.
1903: Hurricane Landfall
In 1903, a hurricane made landfall along the Connecticut coast.
1905: Bridgeport Becomes Chief Manufacturing City
By 1905, Bridgeport had become Connecticut's chief manufacturing city.
1905: Investment in Manufacturing
In 1905, $49,381,348 was invested in manufacturing in Bridgeport, with the products being valued at $44,586,519.
1906: Publication of La Tribuna de Connecticut
In 1906, La Tribuna de Connecticut newspaper began publication.
1908: End of La Tribuna de Connecticut Publication
In 1908, La Tribuna de Connecticut newspaper ceased publication.
1908: Imports Valued
In 1908, the city of Bridgeport was a port of entry with its imports being valued at around $656,271.
1910: City Population
Between 1910 and 1920, the city's population exploded due to its role in World War I.
1910: Bridgeport's Italian Population
By 1910, Bridgeport had grown into the second-largest city in Connecticut with 102,052 residents. It was the third most Italian city in the state.
1910: Bridgeport Becomes Largest Industrial Center
From 1870 to 1910, Bridgeport became the largest industrial center in Connecticut; its population rose from around 25,000 to over 100,000.
1912: Remington Arms Merger
In 1912, Bridgeport became the headquarters of Remington Arms following its merger with the Union Metallic Cartridge Co.
1912: Invention of the Electric Plug Outlet
In 1912, inventor Harvey Hubbell II invented the electric plug outlet in Bridgeport.
1915: Remington Arms Plant Built
In 1915, the Remington Arms plant, the largest factory in the world at the time, was built on Boston Avenue.
1915: Eight-Hour Day Strikes
In the summer of 1915, a series of strikes imposed the eight-hour day on the town's factories, spreading throughout the Northeast.
1916: Remington Arms Employment
By 1916, the Remington Arms factory employed 16,000 people, leading to the construction of "Remington City" and "Remington Village".
1919: City Buys Pleasure Beach
In 1919, the city of Bridgeport bought Pleasure Beach (also known as Steepchase Island) for $220,000.
1920: City Population Explosion
Between 1910 and 1920, the city's population exploded to 143,555 due to its role in World War I.
1920: Publication of La Sentinella
In 1920, La Sentinella newspaper began publication.
1920: Zoo Creation
In 1920, the city parks commissioner began the process of creating a zoo in Beardsley Park.
1921: Spanish Immigration
Spanish immigration in 1920 and 1921 brought hundreds of migrants from Spain to Bridgeport.
1922: Charles Ebbets Marriage
In 1922, Charles Ebbets, founder and original owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, married his second wife in Bridgeport.
1922: Theaters Built Downtown
In 1922, the Majestic and Poli Palace theaters were built downtown, along with the Savoy Hotel.
1928: City Buys Land to Construct Bridgeport Airport
In 1928, the city bought an 800-acre (320 ha) racetrack and landing field in Lordship to construct Bridgeport Airport.
1930: Demographic Changes
By 1930, Bridgeport had the third-largest percentage of African Americans in New England, and the Italian population had more than doubled, becoming the city's largest ethnic group.
1933: Housatonic Railroad Passenger Service Ends
Before 1933, the Housatonic Railroad provided passenger service north through the Pequonnock and Housatonic Valleys.
1933: Jasper McLevy elected mayor
In 1933, Jasper McLevy was elected as the socialist mayor of Bridgeport.
1937: End of Streetcar Service
In 1937, the Bridgeport Traction Company discontinued its streetcar service in the region.
1938: Hurricane Landfall
In 1938, a hurricane made landfall along the Connecticut coast.
1944: Hurricane Landfall
In 1944, a hurricane made landfall along the Connecticut coast.
1945: Establishment of the Greater Bridgeport Symphony
In 1945, the Greater Bridgeport Symphony was established and performs at the Klein Memorial Auditorium.
1946: ACME Shear: World's Largest Manufacturer
In 1946, ACME Shear was the world's largest scissors, shear and surgical materials manufacturer. ACME was based in Bridgeport.
1948: End of La Sentinella Publication
In 1948, La Sentinella newspaper ceased publication.
December 29, 1949: NBC's pioneer UHF TV test site
From December 29, 1949, Bridgeport was NBC's pioneer UHF TV test site.
1949: First Dental Hygiene School
In 1949, Bridgeport was the location of the first dental hygiene school.
1951: AVCO Division Founded
In 1951, the Bridgeport-Lycoming division of AVCO was founded.
August 23, 1952: NBC's pioneer UHF TV test site ended
Until August 23, 1952, Bridgeport was NBC's pioneer UHF TV test site.
1954: Hurricane Carol
In 1954, Hurricane Carol made landfall along the Connecticut coast.
1957: End of McLevy's Mayoral Term
In 1957, Jasper McLevy lost his mayoral seat after serving for 12 terms.
1957: End of Jasper McLevy's mayorship
In 1957, Jasper McLevy's 24-year tenure as the socialist mayor of Bridgeport came to an end.
1957: Record High Temperature Set
In 1957, the record high temperature of 103 °F (39 °C) was set in Bridgeport.
1957: Equipment from the "Operation Bridgeport" tests was later deployed commercially
Until 1957, equipment from the "Operation Bridgeport" tests was later deployed commercially at KPTV in Portland, Oregon
1960: Hurricane Donna
In 1960, Hurricane Donna made landfall along the Connecticut coast.
1962: Museum of Art, Science and Industry (MASI) Opens
In 1962, the Museum of Art, Science and Industry (MASI) opened on Park Avenue. It is now the Discovery Museum and Planetarium.
1965: Subway started in Bridgeport
In 1965, Subway started out in Bridgeport.
1965: Trumbull Shopping Park Built
In 1965, the Trumbull Shopping Park, Connecticut's first fully enclosed shopping mall, was built just outside Bridgeport city limits in Trumbull.
1965: First Subway Restaurant Opens
In 1965, the world's first Subway restaurant opened in the North End of Bridgeport.
1970: Puerto Rican Population
By 1970, Puerto Ricans made up 10% of Bridgeport's population, the largest Puerto Rican population in Connecticut.
1970: Mexican Population Counted
In 1970, the Mexican population in Bridgeport was counted at 24 people.
1972: Gustav Meier directs the orchestra
In 1972, Gustav Meier began directing the Greater Bridgeport Symphony.
1972: Nixon win
In 1972, Richard Nixon was the last Republican to win Bridgeport.
1972: Park City Plaza Built
In 1972, the 18-floor Park City Plaza, was built.
1973: Completion of Park City Plaza
In 1973, the 18-story Park City Plaza was completed in Bridgeport.
1974: Bridgeport Becomes Largest City in Connecticut
In 1974, Bridgeport became the largest city in Connecticut with a population of 142,546, as Hartford's population continued to shrink.
September 1978: Teachers' Strike
In September 1978, Bridgeport teachers went on a 19-day strike, resulting in 274 teachers being arrested and jailed.
November 1978: Wave of Arson
In November 1978, a wave of arson passed through the city's East side.
1978: Bridgeport Station Fire
In 1978, the old Bridgeport station caught fire.
1981: Image Problem Compared to Hartford
A 1981 Times article highlighted Bridgeport's image problem compared to Hartford due to Hartford's role as the state capital and the location of large corporations. Bridgeport's mayor responded by pointing to the city's higher state sales tax revenue.
1981: First Bank Telephone Bill Service in the US
In 1981, Bridgeport saw the introduction of the first bank telephone bill service in the US.
January 22, 1984: Record Low Temperature
On January 22, 1984, the record low temperature of -7 °F (-22 °C) was set in Bridgeport.
1984: Gimbel's Closes
In 1984, Gimbel's closed, beginning the Lafayette Shopping Plaza's decline.
1984: Mondale carried city
In 1984, Walter Mondale carried Bridgeport by just 76 votes (0.16 percent) over Ronald Reagan.
1984: AVCO Division Closure
In 1984, the Bridgeport-Lycoming division of AVCO closed due to decreased demand.
1985: Bridgeport as Manufacturing Center
In 1985, Bridgeport was Connecticut's chief manufacturing center. A New York Times article also stated Bridgeport was the fifth largest banking center in New England. Bridgeport-based banks had assets of more than $6 billion.
1985: General Electric plant employment
In 1985, General Electric's Bridgeport plant employed 1,900 people, though it is now closed.
1985: Hurricane Gloria
In 1985, Hurricane Gloria made landfall along the Connecticut coast.
1985: Italian Americans as largest ethnic group
Until 1985, Italian Americans were the largest ethnic group in Bridgeport, a status held since the 1920s.
1988: Bryant Electric plant closure
Bryant Electric closed its Bridgeport plant in 1988.
1989: Completion of Bridgeport Center
In 1989 the 10-story Connecticut National Bank building was demolished and replaced with the new 18-story Bridgeport Center overlooking McLevy Square.
1989: High Homicide Rate
In 1989, Bridgeport had more homicides per capita than any Northeastern US city with over 100,000 people.
1990: Puerto Rican Population
In 1990, Bridgeport had 30,250 people claiming Puerto Rican heritage.
1990: Mexican Population Growth
In 1990, the Mexican population in Bridgeport grew to 599 people.
1991: Ganim first took office
In 1991, Joseph P. Ganim first took office as mayor of Bridgeport.
1991: Bankruptcy and New Mayor
In 1991, the city filed for bankruptcy protection but was declared solvent by a federal court. Also in 1991, Joseph Ganim became mayor, initiating redevelopment projects.
1995: Casino Proposal
In 1995, a proposal by Steve Wynn to build a large casino in Bridgeport failed due to traffic concerns. Donald Trump proposed building a theme park and potential casino on the same site.
1995: Reduction in Violent Crime
In 1995, the city saw a significant reduction in violent crime, particularly in its East Side due to the Phoenix Project.
1996: ACME Shear Closes Bridgeport Plant
In 1996, ACME Shear closed its Bridgeport plant due to mergers and acquisitions, relocating industrial operations to Fremont, North Carolina.
1996: New Waves of Migrants Arrive
In 1996, the New York Times reported new waves of migrants from various nations arrived in Bridgeport, and Bridgeport was a common second destination for Vietnamese refugees.
1997: Mall Becomes Housatonic Community College
In 1997, Hi-Ho Mall became Housatonic Community College.
1998: Ballpark at Harbor Yard built
In 1998, the Ballpark at Harbor Yard was built to serve as the homefield of the Bridgeport Bluefish.
November 1999: Termination of commercial operations at Sikorsky Memorial Airport
In November 1999, commercial operations at Sikorsky Memorial Airport were terminated.
1999: Sikorsky Airport Ceases Commercial Flights
In 1999, the city-owned Sikorsky Memorial Airport ceased its commercial regional flight offerings.
2000: Census of 2000
As of the census of 2000, Bridgeport had a population of 139,529, with a population density of 8,720.9 inhabitants per square mile.
2000: Mexican Population Increases
By the 2000 census, the Mexican population in Bridgeport had increased to 2,687, becoming the second-largest Latino group in the city.
2001: Bridgeport Barrage homefield
From 2001, the Ballpark at Harbor Yard was the homefield for the Bridgeport Barrage, a Major League Lacrosse team.
2003: Corruption Scandal and Mayor Replacement
In 2003, Mayor Ganim was involved in a corruption scandal investigated by the FBI and was sentenced to federal prison, leading to his replacement by John Fabrizi.
2003: Ganim conviction
In 2003, Mayor Joseph P. Ganim was sentenced to nine years in prison after conviction of 16 federal counts.
2003: Bridgeport Barrage homefield
Until 2003, the Ballpark at Harbor Yard was the homefield for the Bridgeport Barrage, a Major League Lacrosse team.
2004: Artist Lofts Development
In 2004, artists' lofts were developed in the former Read's Department Store on Broad Street.
June 2006: Mayor admits to drug use
In June 2006, Mayor John M. Fabrizi admitted that he had used cocaine while in office.
2006: President Bush Speaks in Bridgeport
In 2006, President George W. Bush spoke before a small group of Connecticut business people and officials at the Playhouse on the Green.
2008: Ecuadorian Consulate Location
In 2008, Bridgeport was considered as a potential location for a new Ecuadorian consulate, but it instead opened in New Haven, CT.
2008: Muslim population estimate
In 2008, a local mosque estimated the Muslim population in Bridgeport to be at least 4,000.
2009: New Master Plan for Development
In 2009, the City Council approved a new master plan for development designed to promote redevelopment and protect residential neighborhoods.
2010: Economic inequality in Bridgeport MSA
According to 2010 census data, the Bridgeport MSA, containing all of Fairfield County, was the most economically unequal region in America, with 57% of the wealth going to the top income quintile.
2010: Crime Rate Decline Begins
Around 2010, Bridgeport's crime rate began a significant decline.
2010: 2010 Census Data
As of the 2010 census, there were 144,229 people living in the city. The racial makeup was 39.6% White, 34.6% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 4.3% from two or more races. 38.2% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
2010: Foreign Born Population
In 2010, 45,270 people (31%) of Bridgeport's population were foreign born.
2010: President Obama Speaks at Harbor Yard Arena
In 2010, President Barack Obama spoke at the Harbor Yard arena to gain support for the campaign of Democratic Governor Dan Malloy.
2010: Medical and Housing Complex Announced
In 2010, the Bridgeport Housing Authority announced plans to build a $20 million medical and housing complex on Albion Street.
2011: Record High Temperature Tied
In 2011, the record high temperature of 103 °F (39 °C), previously set in 1957, was tied in Bridgeport.
2012: Hurricane Sandy
In 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall along the Connecticut coast.
2012: Establishment of Little Asia
In 2012, Little Asia was established along Wood Avenue in Bridgeport by local business owners.
2013: Gustav Meier directed the orchestra
In 2013, Gustav Meier ended his tenure as the director of the Greater Bridgeport Symphony.
2013: Jamaican population in Bridgeport
In 2013, Jamaicans made up 6.3% of Bridgeport's population, and 10.2% of the population was non-Hispanic West Indian.
2013: Puerto Rican Heritage
In 2013, around 31,900 people in Bridgeport claimed Puerto Rican heritage, representing 22.10% of the population.
2013: Nutmeg Curling Club national champions
In 2013, the Nutmeg Curling Club of Bridgeport was the home club of the USA Mixed National Champions.
2013: Construction at Steel Point
In 2013, the Steel Point project led to the construction of a big box retailer, other stores, shops, a lighthouse, and a marina with an oyster bar.
2013: Downtown North Rehabilitation
In 2013, the city and local business owners agreed that work needed to be done in the Downtown North area.
2015: Citywide reassessment
A citywide reassessment in 2015 determined that the value of taxable property in Bridgeport was $6 billion.
2015: Ganim announced his campaign for mayor
After his release from prison in 2015, Joseph P. Ganim announced his mayoral campaign to serve a sixth term in office.
2015: End of Gathering of the Vibes
In 2015, Bridgeport hosted the final Gathering of the Vibes, an annual arts, music, and camping festival.
2015: NerdWallet Ranking
In 2015, NerdWallet ranked Bridgeport as the 22nd most ethnically diverse city in the United States.
2015: Sikorsky helicopter plant closure
In 2015, the Sikorsky helicopter plant in Bridgeport closed, marking the closure of the last major factory in the city.
2015: Rehabilitation of Downtown North Begins
In 2015, the city and developers began rehabilitating the old brick buildings in Downtown North.
2016: Decline of Little Asia
By 2016, the name Little Asia had fallen out of use in Bridgeport, and the organizing committee no longer existed.
2016: Property tax rate increase
In 2016, Bridgeport enacted a 29% increase in the property tax rate.
August 8, 2017: Bluefish to end stint at ballpark
On August 8, 2017, it was announced that the Bridgeport Bluefish would be ending their 20-year stint at the ballpark at the end of the 2017 season, with the ballpark being converted into an amphitheater.
September 17, 2017: Bluefish final home game
On September 17, 2017, the Bluefish played their final home game at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard.
2017: Property tax burden study
A 2017 study determined that Bridgeport had the second-highest property tax burden of any U.S. city.
2017: MGM Casino Plans Announced
In 2017, MGM announced plans to build a waterfront casino and shopping center in the city, awaiting approval by the state government.
2018: Portuguese Community Origin
According to a 2018 research study, the Portuguese community in Bridgeport primarily hails from the Tras Os Montes region of Portugal.
2018: Crime Rate Reduced by Almost 50 Percent
By 2018, Bridgeport's crime rate had been reduced by almost 50 percent.
April 2019: Updated Master Plan
In April 2019, the City's development master plan was updated.
2019: Train Station Postponement
In 2019, a new proposed train station in East Bridgeport, meant to be completed in 2021, was postponed.
2020: Asian residents count
In 2020, Bridgeport had 5,553 Asian residents.
2020: Bridgeport Population in 2020
In 2020, Bridgeport had a population of 148,654, making it the most populous city in Connecticut and the fifth-most populous in New England.
2020: Azteca ranked among best Mexican restaurants
In 2020, Connecticut Magazine ranked Azteca among the best Mexican restaurants in Connecticut.
2020: Top employers report
In 2020, the city's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report listed the top employers in Bridgeport.
2021: Asian residents count
According to the 2021 5-year American Community Survey, Bridgeport had 7,725 Asian residents.
2021: Westchester Knicks at Total Mortgage Arena
From 2021, the Total Mortgage Arena served as the temporary home of the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League.
2021: NerdWallet Ranking
In 2021, NerdWallet ranked Bridgeport as the 23rd most ethnically diverse city in the United States.
2021: Train Station Completion Date Postponed
In 2021, the completion date for a new proposed train station in East Bridgeport was postponed.
2022: Plan to Renovate McLevy Hall
A 2022 plan to renovate McLevy Hall is in place.
2022: Bengali as fifth most common language in Bridgeport Public Schools
In 2022, Bengali was the fifth most common primary language for Bridgeport Public School students, following English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole.
2022: Inaugural Sound on Sound Music Festival
In 2022, Bridgeport hosted the inaugural Sound on Sound Music Festival at Seaside Park.
2022: NerdWallet Ranking
In 2022, NerdWallet ranked Bridgeport as the 17th most ethnically diverse city in the United States, and the 28th on Niche.com "2022 Most Diverse Cities in America" list.
2022: Primary languages spoken by students
In 2022, at least 92 languages are spoken as primary languages by Bridgeport Public School students.
November 2023: Stadium plans approved
In November 2023, stadium plans were approved by the Bridgeport government for Connecticut United FC.
2023: Westchester Knicks at Total Mortgage Arena
Until 2023, the Total Mortgage Arena served as the temporary home of the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League.
2024: Eid al-Fitr observed by Bridgeport Public Schools
Effective in 2024, Bridgeport Public Schools began observing Eid al-Fitr due to a campaign by 8th graders from Park City Magnet School.
2024: Sound on Sound Music Festival Rebranded
In 2024, the Sound on Sound Music Festival was rebranded to Soundside Music Festival.
2024: MLS Next Pro expansion team awarded to Bridgeport
In early 2024, MLS Next Pro awarded an expansion team, Connecticut United FC, to Bridgeport.
2025: Cancellation of Soundside Music Festival
The 2025 Soundside Music Festival was cancelled.
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