{{Short description|Town in Connecticut, U.S.}} {{Use American English|date=July 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}} {{Infobox settlement | name = Westport, Connecticut | native_name = | native_name_lang = | settlement_type = Town | nickname = WePo <!-- images, nickname, motto -->| image_skyline = {{multiple image |border = infobox |total_width = 290 |image_style = border:1; |perrow = 1/2 |caption_align = center |image1 = Westport, Connecticut downtown.jpg |caption1 = Downtown |image2 = Westport Town Hall, Myrtle Avenue.jpg |caption2 = Town Hall |image3 = West_Beach,_Sherwood_Island_State_Park,_Westport,_2007.jpg |caption3 = Sherwood Island State Park }} | image_flag = Westport_CT_flag.jpg | flag_size = | flag_alt = | flag_border = | flag_link = | image_seal = Westport, CT Seal.png | seal_size = | seal_alt = | seal_link = | image_blank_emblem = Westport, CT Logo.png | blank_emblem_type = Logo | etymology = <!-- maps and coordinates --> | image_map = {{switcher|230px|frameless|alt=Westport's location within Fairfield County and Connecticut| Fairfield County and Connecticut|250px|frameless|alt=Westport's location within the Western Connecticut Planning Region and the state of Connecticut| Western Connecticut Planning Region and Connecticut|default=1}} | image_map1 = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=280|frame-height=200|frame-coord=SWITCH:{{coord|qid=Q586762}}###{{coord|qid=Q779}}###{{coord|41|07|24|N|73|20|49|W}}|zoom=SWITCH:9;6;3|type=SWITCH:shape-inverse;point;point|marker=city|stroke-width=2|stroke-color=#000000|id2=SWITCH:Q586762;Q779;Q30|type2=shape|fill2=#ffffff|fill-opacity2=SWITCH:0;0.1;0.1|stroke-width2=2|stroke-color2=#808080|stroke-opacity2=SWITCH:0;1;1|switch=Westport;Connecticut;the United States}} | coordinates = {{coord|41|07|24|N|73|20|49|W|region:US-CT_type:city|display=inline,title}} <!-- location -->| subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = United States | subdivision_type1 = U.S. state | subdivision_name1 = Connecticut | subdivision_type2 = County | subdivision_name2 = Fairfield | subdivision_type3 = Region | subdivision_name3 = Western CT <!-- established -->| established_title = Established | established_date = 1835 | established_title1 = Incorporated | established_date1 = May 28, 1835 | extinct_title = | extinct_date = | founder = Bankside Farmers | named_for = | government_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|title=Board of Selectmen|url=https://www.westportct.gov/government/elected-officials/board-of-selectmen|website=Town of Westport, Connecticut}}</ref> | governing_body = | leader_party = D | leader_title = 1st selectman | government_type = RTM | leader_name = Kevin Christie | leader_title1 = 2nd selectwoman | leader_name1 = Amy Wistreich (D) | leader_title2 = 3rd selectman | leader_name2 = Don O'Day (R) | unit_pref = US | area_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|title=QuickFacts: Westport CDP, Connecticut|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/westportcdpconnecticut/PST045216|website=United States Census Bureau|publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce|access-date=June 24, 2017}}</ref> | area_water_km2 = | area_water_sq_mi = 13.49 | area_total_sq_mi = 33.45 | area_magnitude = | area_total_km2 = | area_land_sq_mi = 19.96 | area_land_km2 = | population_footnotes = | population_as_of = 2020 | population_total = 27141 | population_density_sq_mi = 1359.8 | population_note = | population_density_km2 = | timezone = Eastern | utc_offset = −5 | timezone_DST = Eastern | utc_offset_DST = −4 | elevation_m = 8 | elevation_ft = 26 | postal_code_type = ZIP Code | postal_code = 06880 | postal2_code_type = ''P.O. Boxes'' | postal2_code = ''06881'' | area_codes = 203/475 | blank_name = FIPS code | blank_info = 09-83500 | blank1_name = GNIS feature ID | blank1_info = 0213532 | website = {{URL|http://www.westportct.gov/}} | footnotes = }} '''Westport''' is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. Located in the Gold Coast along the Long Island Sound, it is {{convert|48|mi|km}} northeast of New York City and is part of the Western Connecticut Planning Region.
==History==
The earliest known inhabitants of the Westport area as identified through archaeological finds date back 7,500 years.<ref name="Klein(Conn.)2000.1.15">{{cite book|author1=Woody Klein|author2=Westport Historical Society (Conn.)|title=Westport, Connecticut: the story of a New England town's rise to prominence|url=https://archive.org/details/westportconnecti00klei|url-access=registration|access-date=November 21, 2011|date=May 2000|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=978-0-313-31126-0|pages=[https://archive.org/details/westportconnecti00klei/page/1 1]–15}}</ref> Records from the first white settlers report the Pequot Indians living in the area which they called ''Machamux'' translated by the colonialists as ''beautiful land''.<ref name="Prevost2001" /> Settlement by colonialists dates back to the five ''Bankside Farmers''; whose families grew and prospered into a community that continued expanding. The settlers arrived in 1693, having followed cattle to the isolated area.<ref name="Prevost2001" /> The community had its own ecclesiastical society, supported by independent civil and religious elements, enabling it to be independent from the Town of Fairfield.<ref name="Somerset-Ward2005" /> As the settlement expanded its name changed: it was briefly known as "Bankside" in 1693, officially named Green's Farm in 1732 in honor of Bankside Farmer John Green and in 1835 incorporated as the Town of Westport.<ref name="Klein(Conn.)2000.1.15" />{{Full citation needed|date=January 2021}}
thumb|left|Historic map of Westport [[File:Minuteman, Westport CT.jpg|thumb|Statue of Minuteman near Compo Beach]]
During the Revolutionary War, on April 25, 1777, a British force of 1,850 under the command of the Royal Governor of the province of New York, Major General William Tryon, landed on Compo Beach to destroy the Continental Army's military supplies in Danbury.<ref name="HowardCrocker1879">{{cite book|author1=R. H. Howard|author2=Henry E. Crocker|title=A history of New England: containing historical and descriptive sketches of the counties, cities and principal towns of the six New England states, including, in its list of contributors, more than sixty literary men and women, representing every county in New England|url=https://archive.org/details/ahistorynewengl00unkngoog|access-date=November 28, 2011|year=1879|publisher=Crocker & co.|page=[https://archive.org/details/ahistorynewengl00unkngoog/page/n336 302]}}</ref> Minutemen from Westport and the surrounding areas crouched hiding while Tryon's troops passed and then launched an offensive from their rear. A statue on Compo Beach commemorates this plan of attack with a crouching Minuteman facing away from the beach, looking onto what would have been the rear of the troops.<ref name="Boatner1975">{{cite book|author=Mark Mayo Boatner|title=Landmarks of the American Revolution: a guide to locating and knowing what happened at the sites of independence|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l0UaAQAAIAAJ|access-date=November 13, 2011|year=1975|publisher=Hawthorn Books|pages=45–47|isbn=9780801543906}}</ref> An additional statue of two cannons facing the water, a testament to the resistance the minutemen displayed, was erected on the beach in 1901.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Battle of Westport Commemoration Historical Marker |url=https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=22556 |access-date=January 13, 2024 |website=www.hmdb.org |language=en}}</ref> A sign on Post Road East also commemorates this event.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Colley |first1=Brent |title=April 26, 1777 British Raid on Danbury, Connecticut |url=http://mybrothersamisdead.historyofredding.net/1777-british-raid-on-danbury.htm |website=My Brother Sam Is Dead |access-date=November 20, 2019 |archive-date=September 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911054413/http://mybrothersamisdead.historyofredding.net/1777-british-raid-on-danbury.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
The Town of Westport was officially incorporated on May 28, 1835, with lands from Fairfield, Weston and Norwalk.<ref name="Klein(Conn.)2000.1.15" /><ref name="Library1909">{{cite book|author=Connecticut State Library|title=Bulletin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hY_EAAAAIAAJ&pg=RA1-PA50|access-date=November 20, 2011|year=1909|page=50|archive-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308124939/https://books.google.com/books?id=hY_EAAAAIAAJ&pg=RA1-PA50|url-status=live}}</ref> Daniel Nash led 130 people of Westport in the petitioning of the Town of Fairfield for Westport's incorporation. The driving force behind the petition was to assist their seaport's economic viability that was being undermined by neighboring towns' seaports.<ref name="Klein(Conn.)2000.85.108">{{cite book|author1=Woody Klein|author2=Westport Historical Society (Conn.)|title=Westport, Connecticut: the story of a New England town's rise to prominence|url=https://archive.org/details/westportconnecti00klei|url-access=registration|access-date=November 21, 2011|date=May 2000|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=978-0-313-31126-0|pages=[https://archive.org/details/westportconnecti00klei/page/85 85]–108}}</ref> For several decades after that, Westport was a prosperous agricultural community, distinguishing itself as the leading onion-growing center in the U.S. In addition, Westport became a shipping center in part to transport onions to market.<ref name="Mapes1853">{{cite book|author=James Jay Mapes|title=Working farmer|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kc1FAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA1|access-date=November 21, 2011|year=1853|publisher=Kingman & Cross}}</ref> Blight caused the collapse of Westport's onion industry, leading to mills and factories replacing agriculture as the town's economic engine.<ref name="Somerset-Ward2005">{{cite book|author=Richard Somerset-Ward|title=An American theatre: the story of Westport Country Playhouse, 1931–2005|url=https://archive.org/details/americantheatres0000some|url-access=registration|access-date=November 17, 2011|date=June 11, 2005|publisher=Yale University Press|isbn=978-0-300-10648-0|pages=[https://archive.org/details/americantheatres0000some/page/29 29], [https://archive.org/details/americantheatres0000some/page/237/mode/2up 237]}}</ref>
Starting around 1910 the town experienced a cultural expansion.<ref name="Klein(Conn.)2000.1.15" /><ref name="Inc1949"/> During this period artists, musicians, and authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald moved to Westport to be free from the commuting demands experienced by business people.<ref name="Klein(Conn.)2000.119.146" /> The roots of Westport's reputation as an arts center can be traced back to this period during which it was known as a "creative heaven."<ref name="Klein(Conn.)2000.1.15" />
In the 20th century, a combination of industrialization and popularity among New Yorkers attracted to fashionable Westport—which had attracted many artists and writers—resulted in farmers selling off their land. Westport changed from a community of farmers to a suburban development.<ref name="Congress1871">{{cite book|author=United States. Congress|title=Congressional edition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WVNHAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA256|access-date=December 12, 2011|year=1871|publisher=U.S. G.P.O.|pages=256–}}</ref><ref name="O'Meara2002">{{cite book|author=Lauraleigh O'Meara|title=Lost city: Fitzgerald's New York|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZQxvxyCWKiQC&pg=PA34|access-date=December 12, 2011|date=August 2, 2002|publisher=Psychology Press|isbn=978-0-415-94055-9|page=34|archive-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308124940/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZQxvxyCWKiQC&pg=PA34|url-status=live}}</ref>
From the 1950s through the 1970s, New Yorkers relocating from the city to the suburbs discovered Westport's culture of artists, musicians and authors.<ref name="Inc1949"/> The population grew rapidly, assisted by the ease of commuting to New York City and back again to rolling hills and the "natural beauty of the town."<ref name="Klein(Conn.)2000.1.15" /><ref name="Klein(Conn.) 2000.233.262"/> By this time Westport had "chic New York-type fashion shopping"<ref name="Powell"/><ref name="Kerns2006.45"/> and a school system with a good reputation, both factors contributing to the growth.<ref name="Inc1949">{{cite book|author=Time Inc|title=LIFE|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y04EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA74|access-date=December 12, 2011|date=August 8, 1949|publisher=Time Inc|pages=74|issn=0024-3019|archive-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308124940/https://books.google.com/books?id=y04EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA74|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Klein(Conn.) 2000.233.262">{{cite book|author1=Woody Klein|author2=Westport Historical Society (Conn.)|title=Westport, Connecticut: the story of a New England town's rise to prominence|url=https://archive.org/details/westportconnecti00klei|url-access=registration|access-date=November 27, 2011|date=May 2000|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=978-0-313-31126-0|pages=[https://archive.org/details/westportconnecti00klei/page/233 233]–262}}</ref><ref name=Powell>{{cite news|last=Powell|first=Mike|title=Westport, Conn., Buying Guide|url=https://www.nytimes.com/ref/realestate/nabe-westport.html|access-date=December 12, 2011|newspaper=New York Times|year=2007|archive-date=April 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401123227/http://www.nytimes.com/ref/realestate/nabe-westport.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Kerns2006.45">{{cite book|author=Ann Kerns|title=Martha Stewart|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SIPeZPZ7O1wC&pg=PA45|access-date=December 12, 2011|date=October 24, 2006|publisher=Twenty-First Century Books|isbn=978-0-8225-6613-7|pages=45|archive-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308124942/https://books.google.com/books?id=SIPeZPZ7O1wC&pg=PA45|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GimpelSchuknecht2004">{{cite book|author1=James G. Gimpel|author2=Jason E. Schuknecht|title=Patchwork Nation: Sectionalism and Political Change in American Politics|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VlEKxXBOpKwC&pg=PA217|access-date=December 12, 2011|date=June 14, 2004|publisher=University of Michigan Press|isbn=978-0-472-03030-9|pages=217–|archive-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308124941/https://books.google.com/books?id=VlEKxXBOpKwC&pg=PA217|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DanielsonDoig1983">{{cite book|author1=Michael N. Danielson|author2=Jameson W. Doig|title=New York: The Politics of Urban Regional Development|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zR4le6t4B9wC&pg=PA151|access-date=December 12, 2011|date=October 3, 1983|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=978-0-520-04551-4|pages=151–}}</ref>
By the 21st century, Westport had developed into a center for finance and insurance, as well as professional, scientific and technical services.
==Geography== According to a publication by the 2010 Census,<ref>{{cite web|title=Connecticut: 2010 Population and Housing Unit Counts 2010 Census of Population and Housing|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-8.pdf|website=United States Census 2010|publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce|access-date=July 13, 2017|archive-date=July 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722024429/https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-8.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Westport has a total area of {{convert|33.45|sqmi}} of which {{convert|19.96|sqmi}} (59.67%) is land with the remaining area of {{convert|13.49|sqmi}} (40.20%) water.
Westport is bordered by Norwalk on the west, Weston to the north, Wilton to the northwest, Fairfield to the east and Long Island Sound to the south.
===Climate=== {{Weather box|location = Westport, Connecticut |single line = Y |collapsed = |Jan record high F = 68 |Feb record high F = 71 |Mar record high F = 79 |Apr record high F = 95 |May record high F = 97 |Jun record high F = 97 |Jul record high F = 102 |Aug record high F = 97 |Sep record high F = 99 |Oct record high F = 89 |Nov record high F = 77 |Dec record high F = 66 |year record high F =102 |Jan high F = 37 |Feb high F = 39 |Mar high F = 48 |Apr high F = 60 |May high F = 70 |Jun high F = 79 |Jul high F = 84 |Aug high F = 82 |Sep high F = 75 |Oct high F = 64 |Nov high F = 52 |Dec high F = 42 |Jan low F = 19 |Feb low F = 21 |Mar low F = 29 |Apr low F = 38 |May low F = 47 |Jun low F = 57 |Jul low F = 62 |Aug low F = 61 |Sep low F = 53 |Oct low F = 40 |Nov low F = 33 |Dec low F = 24 |Jan record low F = −15 |Feb record low F = −7 |Mar record low F = −2 |Apr record low F = 17 |May record low F = 21 |Jun record low F = 34 |Jul record low F = 45 |Aug record low F = 41 |Sep record low F = 31 |Oct record low F = 17 |Nov record low F = 14 |Dec record low F = −9 |year record low F= −15 |precipitation colour= green |Jan precipitation inch = 4.2 |Feb precipitation inch = 3.15 |Mar precipitation inch = 4.33 |Apr precipitation inch = 4.37 |May precipitation inch = 4.36 |Jun precipitation inch = 3.94 |Jul precipitation inch = 3.83 |Aug precipitation inch = 3.89 |Sep precipitation inch = 4.54 |Oct precipitation inch = 3.89 |Nov precipitation inch = 4.04 |Dec precipitation inch = 3.96 |Jan snow inch = 7.6 |Feb snow inch = 7.8 |Mar snow inch = 4.9 |Apr snow inch = 0.7 |May snow inch = 0 |Jun snow inch = 0 |Jul snow inch = 0 |Aug snow inch = 0 |Sep snow inch = 0 |Oct snow inch = 0 |Nov snow inch = 0.6 |Dec snow inch = 4.6
|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in |unit snow days = 0.1 in |Jan precipitation days = 6.3 |Feb precipitation days = 5.9 |Mar precipitation days = 6.8 |Apr precipitation days = 7.3 |May precipitation days = 7.7 |Jun precipitation days = 7.1 |Jul precipitation days = 6.6 |Aug precipitation days = 6.5 |Sep precipitation days = 6.3 |Oct precipitation days = 5.7 |Nov precipitation days = 6.4 |Dec precipitation days = 6.3 |Jan snow days = 3.5 |Feb snow days = 2.9 |Mar snow days = 1.2 |Apr snow days = 0 |May snow days = 0 |Jun snow days = 0 |Jul snow days = 0 |Aug snow days = 0 |Sep snow days = 0 |Oct snow days = 0 |Nov snow days = 0.1 |Dec snow days = 1.4 |Jan sun = |Feb sun = |Mar sun = |Apr sun = |May sun = |Jun sun = |Jul sun = |Aug sun = |Sep sun = |Oct sun = |Nov sun = |Dec sun = |source 1 = The Weather Company Record Low & High Data & Average Low & High Data & Average Precipitation Data<ref name="weather2019Apr">{{cite web |title=Westport, CT (06880) Monthly Weather |url=https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/06880:4:US |website=weather.com |publisher=TWC Product and Technology LLC |access-date=April 23, 2019 |archive-date=April 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423141606/https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/06880:4:US |url-status=live }}</ref> |source 2 = USA.com Average snowfall inches & Average precipitation days & Average snowy days<ref>{{cite web|title=Historical Weather Westport, CT Weather|url=http://www.usa.com/westport-ct-weather.htm|access-date=December 7, 2011|archive-date=November 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126185915/http://usa.com/westport-ct-weather.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>|date=December 2011}}
===Topography=== Both the train station and a total of 26 percent of town residents live within the 100-year floodplain.<ref>{{cite web |title=Flood Map |url=https://www.westportct.gov/home/showdocument?id=355 |publisher=Town of Westport |access-date=November 20, 2019 |archive-date=June 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622200652/https://www.westportct.gov/home/showdocument?id=355 |url-status=live }}</ref> The floodplain was breached in 1992 and 1996 resulting in damage to private property, the 1992 flooding of the train station parking lot and the implementation of flood mitigation measures that include town regulations that affect renovations and additions to building within the floodplain zone. {{Citation needed|date=November 2011}}
===Neighborhoods=== thumb|upright|Neighborhoods of Westport
* Saugatuck – around the Westport railroad station near the southwestern corner of the town – a built-up area with some restaurants, stores and offices. Saugatuck originates from the Paugussett tribe meaning "mouth of the tidal river." ** Saugatuck Shores – a curved peninsula surrounded by the Long Island Sound, this area was once part of the town of Norwalk. Today several hundred residents live on the peninsula, which became part of Westport in the 1960s. ** Saugatuck Island – founded in the 1890s as Greater Marsh Shores, the island was renamed Saugatuck Island in 1920 and became a special taxing district on November 5, 1984. * Westport Village – The area around Post Road and Main Street on and near the Saugatuck River that serves as the center of Westport, with many shops and restaurants. There has been recent growth in the downtown area, including Levitt Pavilion, and Bedford square, a mixed-use development incorporating the Bedford Mansion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bedfordsquare.com/|title=Home|website=Bedford Square|access-date=June 10, 2016|archive-date=June 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619171957/http://www.bedfordsquare.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> * Greens Farms – Westport's oldest neighborhood, starting around Hillspoint Road and ending at Westport's boundary on the east side.<ref name="Prevost2001">{{cite news|last=Prevost|first=Lisa|title=If You're Thinking of Living In/Green's Farms; A Country Atmosphere Near the Sound|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9504E2D71E3BF934A35752C0A9679C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=print|access-date=November 30, 2011|newspaper=New York Times|date=January 7, 2001}}</ref> Greens Farms has its own post office<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.postallocations.com/ct/greens-farms/greens-farms|title=Post Office in Greens Farms, CT - Hours and Location|website=www.postallocations.com|access-date=October 21, 2017|archive-date=October 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021172521/http://www.postallocations.com/ct/greens-farms/greens-farms|url-status=live}}</ref> and train station.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://as0.mta.info/mnr/stations/station_detail.cfm?key=240|title=MNR Stations|website=as0.mta.info|access-date=October 21, 2017|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120040351/https://as0.mta.info/mnr/stations/station_detail.cfm?key=240|url-status=live}}</ref> * Cockenoe Island (pronounced "KuhKEEnee"{{citation needed|date=February 2013}}) – just off the southeastern coast of the town. Cockenoe Island is an uninhabited island that was purchased by Westport for $212,740 from the United Illuminating Company in 1969 so that the company could not use the land to build a nuclear plant.<ref name="Prevost2001" /> * Old Hill – west of the Saugatuck River and north of the Post Road, a historic section of town with many homes from the Revolutionary and Victorian eras. Prior to the road being called the Boston Post Road it was called the Connecticut Turnpike.<ref name="Klein(Conn.)2000.96">{{cite book|author1=Woody Klein|author2=Westport Historical Society (Conn.)|title=Westport, Connecticut: the story of a New England town's rise to prominence|url=https://archive.org/details/westportconnecti00klei|url-access=registration|access-date=November 30, 2011|date=May 2000|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=978-0-313-31126-0|page=[https://archive.org/details/westportconnecti00klei/page/96 96]}}</ref> * Coleytown – Located at the northern edge of town, near the Weston town line. Home to Coleytown fire station, Middle and Elementary school. Named for Farmer Coley, who owned lots of land in this area. * Compo – Located around the main beach in the town, Compo Beach. Compo (Compaug), can be traced back to the early Paugussett tribe and means ''the bear's fishing ground.''<ref name="Klein(Conn.)2000.16.29">{{cite book|author1=Woody Klein|author2=Westport Historical Society (Conn.)|title=Westport, Connecticut: the story of a New England town's rise to prominence|url=https://archive.org/details/westportconnecti00klei|url-access=registration|access-date=December 18, 2011|date=May 2000|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=978-0-313-31126-0|pages=[https://archive.org/details/westportconnecti00klei/page/16 16]–29}}</ref> * SewTrol – The area containing the Town Sewage Treatment Plant, the Town Animal Control, and the State Boat Launch. * Poplar Plains – The northwest corner of the town, bordered to the southwest by the city of Norwalk, to the northwest by the town of Wilton, to the northeast by the town of Weston, to the east by the Saugatuck River, and to the south by the Merritt Parkway. * Staples – The eastern side of the town, bordered to the north by Cross Highway, to the west by Compo Road, to the south by U.S. Route 1 (Post Road), and to the east by the town of Fairfield.
{{wide image|View from Saugatuck Bridge, Westport, CT, USA - 2012.jpg|800px|alt=View of Saugatuck River from Saugatuck River Bridge|View of Saugatuck River from Saugatuck River Bridge}}
==Demographics== {{US Census population|1840=1803|1850=2651|1860=3293|1870=3361|1880=3477|1890=3715|1900=4017|1910=4259|1920=5114|1930=6073|1940=8258|1950=11667|1960=20955|1970=27318|1980=25290|1990=24410|2000=25749|2010=26391|2020=27141|footnote=[https://web.archive.org/web/20051023002638/http://www.sots.ct.gov/RegisterManual/SectionVII/SecVIITOC.htm CT.gov] }}{{See also|List of Connecticut locations by per capita income}} The 2019 US Census reported a population estimate of 28,491 with the median household income at $206,466.<ref>{{Cite web|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Westport town, Fairfield County, Connecticut|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/westporttownfairfieldcountyconnecticut|access-date=March 25, 2021|website=www.census.gov|language=en|archive-date=July 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705164146/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/westporttownfairfieldcountyconnecticut|url-status=live}}</ref>
The 2010 US Census counted the total number of households in Westport being 9,573 of which 7,233 (75.6%) were family households.<ref>{{cite web|title=Households and Families: 2010 Census Summary|url=https://www.census.gov/|website=United States Census Bureau|publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce|access-date=July 13, 2017|archive-date=December 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218204847/http://www.census.gov/popest/data/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The population density was {{convert|1322.2|PD/sqmi|PD/sqkm}}. There were 10,065 housing units at an average density of {{convert|503.0|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}.
According to the 2010 Census, the population of Westport was 92.6% White, 4.0% Asian, 1.2% Black or African American, and 0.1% American Indian. Individuals from other races made up 0.6% of Westport's population while individuals from two or more races made up 1.6%.<ref>{{cite web|title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=November 14, 2011|archive-date=December 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218204847/http://www.census.gov/popest/data/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, Latinos of any race made up 3.5% of Westport's population. About 29.8% of Westport residents were younger than age 18 as of 2010; higher than the U.S. average of 24%.
According to the 2000 Census, there were 9,586 households, of which 38.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.1% were married couples living together, 6.8% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 25.2% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.10.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.9% under the age of 18, 2.7% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.3 males.
According to a 2007 estimate, the median income for a household in the town was $147,391, and the median income for a family was $176,740. As of the 2000 Census, males had a median income of $100,000 versus $53,269 for females. The per capita income for the town was $73,664. 2.6% of the population and 1.5% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 2.7% are under the age of 18 and 2.1% are 65 or older.
In July 2008, Westport was named the fifth top-earning city in the US, with a median family income of $193,540 and median home price of $1,200,000.<ref name=CNN2008>{{cite news|title=25 top-earning towns|url=https://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/moneymag/0807/gallery.bplive_topearners.moneymag/5.html|access-date=November 21, 2011|newspaper=CNN|date=August 7, 2008|archive-date=January 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120134213/http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/moneymag/0807/gallery.bplive_topearners.moneymag/5.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2018, data from the American Community Survey revealed that Westport was the 9th wealthiest city in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fox2now.com/2018/01/10/the-10-wealthiest-cities-in-the-united-states/|publisher=Tribune Media|title=The 10 wealthiest cities in the United States|date=January 11, 2018|access-date=January 14, 2018|archive-date=January 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114183949/http://fox2now.com/2018/01/10/the-10-wealthiest-cities-in-the-united-states/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Economy== ===Commerce and industry=== {{See also|List of companies based in Westport, Connecticut}}
The financial services sector employs 7,171 in Westport; half of whom commute daily to Westport. The financial services industry is a major segment of the local economy. The major financial services companies in Westport are Bridgewater Associates, a global investment manager and Westport's largest employer, and BNY Mellon.<ref name="WestportNow2010">{{cite news|title=Bridgewater, Town's Largest Employer, Could Be Leaving|url=http://westportnow.com/index.php?%2Fv2%2Fcomments%2Fbridgewater_towns_largest_employer_could_be_leaving%2F|access-date=November 13, 2011|newspaper=WestportNow|date=July 9, 2010|archive-date=April 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419140615/http://westportnow.com/index.php?%2Fv2%2Fcomments%2Fbridgewater_towns_largest_employer_could_be_leaving%2F|url-status=live}}</ref> Professional, scientific, and technical services companies include Terex, a Fortune 500 company manufacturing industrial equipment and offering professional and technical services around those products, and dLife, a multimedia diabetes education (and marketing) company.
===Nonprofits=== * Save the Children, the American charity, governed entirely separately from the British charity of the same name, was headquartered in Westport before moving to Fairfield<ref name="Klein(Conn.)2000.1.15" /><ref name="Klein(Conn.)2000.181.204">{{cite book|author1=Woody Klein|author2=Westport Historical Society (Conn.)|title=Westport, Connecticut: the story of a New England town's rise to prominence|url=https://archive.org/details/westportconnecti00klei|url-access=registration|access-date=November 28, 2011|date=May 2000|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=978-0-313-31126-0|pages=[https://archive.org/details/westportconnecti00klei/page/181 181]–204}}</ref> * The Smith Richardson Foundation, a public policy think tank, is headquartered in Westport, Connecticut * Joseph J. Clinton Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 399 and August Matthias American Legion Post 63 are 501(c)(19) Non Profit charities located in Westport.
==Arts and culture== thumb|right|alt=Westport Library taken from the opposite side of the Saugatuck River.|Westport Library across Saugatuck River [[File:Westport Country Playhouse.jpg|thumb|right|Westport Country Playhouse]]
===Attractions=== {{See also|National Register of Historic Places listings in Fairfield County, Connecticut}}
*The Westport Country Playhouse, founded in 1930, is a regional theater.<ref name=Morris2010>{{cite web|last=Morris|first=Stacey|title=Westport: The Beverly Hills of the East|url=https://www.jpost.com/Travel/TravelNews/Article.aspx?id=178214|publisher=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=November 21, 2011|date=June 13, 2010|archive-date=January 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110129135943/http://www.jpost.com/Travel/TravelNews/Article.aspx?id=178214|url-status=live}}</ref> After Paul Newman moved to Westport in 1960, he became a principal "driving force" behind the playhouse.<ref name=Morris2010 /> * Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) Westport, part of the Westport Arts Center; the facility was expanded in 2019 to include the permanent contemporary art collection.<ref>[https://mocawestport.org/about/ About MoCA Westport]</ref> * Westport Museum for History and Culture, founded in 1889, is dedicate to the history of Westport.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.westporthistory.org/ |title=Home |website=westporthistory.org |access-date=August 8, 2022 |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809042906/https://westporthistory.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> * The Wakeman Town Farm is a historic working farm and sustainability demonstration center.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 9, 2013 |title=Woman's Club gives $5,000 to Wakeman Town Farm |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/Woman-s-Club-gives-5-000-to-Wakeman-Town-Farm-4503470.php |access-date=July 12, 2022 |website=CT Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712080843/https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/Woman-s-Club-gives-5-000-to-Wakeman-Town-Farm-4503470.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Serenity |date=March 14, 2022 |title=Westport, Weston and Wilton farms start supply drive for Ukraine |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/westport/article/Westport-Weston-and-Wilton-farms-start-supply-17002112.php |access-date=July 12, 2022 |website=CT Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712080844/https://www.ctinsider.com/westport/article/Westport-Weston-and-Wilton-farms-start-supply-17002112.php |url-status=live }}</ref> * The Rolnick Observatory is located on a former Nike missile site.<ref name="Harrington2010">{{cite book|author=Philip S. Harrington|title=Cosmic Challenge: The Ultimate Observing List for Amateurs|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8mQmvT4wpWQC&pg=PR10|access-date=December 12, 2011|date=November 30, 2010|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-89936-9|pages=10–|archive-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308124942/https://books.google.com/books?id=8mQmvT4wpWQC&pg=PR10|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Astronomy">{{cite book|title=Astronomy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0zQRAQAAMAAJ|access-date=December 12, 2011|year=1982|publisher=AstroMedia Corp.}}</ref> * Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center, is a {{convert|62|acre|m2|adj=on}} natural history museum, nature center and wildlife sanctuary.
==Parks and recreation== Comprising {{convert|234|acre|km2}}, Sherwood Island State Park is located on Long Island Sound and includes beach access. Compo Beach and Burying Hill Beach are municipal beaches that are open to out-of-town visitors in the summer for a fee. The state's 9/11 memorial was put in Sherwood Island State Park in Westport; on a clear day the New York City skyline can be seen.<ref name="LascheverCantele2009">{{cite book|author1=Barnett D. Laschever|author2=Andi Marie Cantele|author3=Kim Grant|title=Explorer's Guide Connecticut|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4PVT3Qk8AAYC&pg=PA88|access-date=November 28, 2011|date=May 18, 2009|publisher=The Countryman Press|isbn=978-0-88150-824-6|pages=88–|archive-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308125443/https://books.google.com/books?id=4PVT3Qk8AAYC&pg=PA88|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 1960, Westport purchased Longshore Club Park.
In 2011, Paul Newman's estate gave land to Westport to be managed by the Aspetuck Land Trust.<ref name=Hennessy2011>{{cite news|last=Hennessy|first=Christina|title=Sightseeing: Newman Poses Nature Preserve may have marquee name, but nature is the star|url=http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Sightseeing-Newman-Poses-Nature-Preserve-may-2226539.php|access-date=September 16, 2012|newspaper=The Stamford Advocate, Conn.|date=October 20, 2011|archive-date=June 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627055300/http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Sightseeing-Newman-Poses-Nature-Preserve-may-2226539.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{wide image|Panorama, Compo Beach, Westport, CT 01.JPG|800px|Compo Beach in Westport}}
==Government== {| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin:1em; font-size:95%;" |+ Westport town vote<br /> by party in presidential elections<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://authoring.ct.gov//SOTS/Election-Services/Statement-Of-Vote-PDFs/General-Elections-Statement-of-Vote-1922|title=General Elections Statement of Vote 1922|access-date=May 25, 2019|archive-date=May 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514171359/https://authoring.ct.gov//SOTS/Election-Services/Statement-Of-Vote-PDFs/General-Elections-Statement-of-Vote-1922|url-status=live}}</ref> |- style="background:lightgrey;" ! Year ! Democratic ! Republican ! Third Parties |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|2024 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''71.4%''' ''11,769'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|27.2% ''4,476'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.4% ''237'' |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|2020 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''74.46%''' ''13,048'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|24.09% ''4,222'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.45% ''253'' |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|2016 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''68.99%''' ''10,655'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|26.99% ''4,169'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|4.01% ''620'' |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|2012 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''56.45%''' ''8,495'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|42.79% ''6,439'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.76% ''114'' |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|2008 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''65.05%''' ''10,067'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|34.52% ''5,342'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.43% ''66'' |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|2004 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''59.47%''' ''9,115'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|39.56% ''6,063'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.98% ''150'' |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|2000 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''57.35%''' ''8,304'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|38.61% ''5,590'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|4.05% ''586'' |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|1996 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''51.61%''' ''7,331'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|40.73% ''5,785'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|7.67% ''1,089'' |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|1992 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''48.10%''' ''7,799'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|38.02% ''6,166'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|13.88% ''2,251'' |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|1988 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|44.32% ''6,519'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''54.73%''' ''8,051'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.95% ''140'' |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|1984 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|38.58% ''5,774'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''61.21%''' ''9,162'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.21% ''31'' |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|1980 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|30.26% ''4,381'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''53.95%''' ''7,810'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|15.79% ''2,285'' |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|1976 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|40.97% ''6,053'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''58.73%''' ''8,677'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.30% ''44'' |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|1972 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|40.23% ''5,937'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''58.98%''' ''8,705'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.79% ''116'' |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|1968 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|42.34% ''5,435'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''54.82%''' ''7,037'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|2.84% ''365'' |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|1964 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''59.54%''' ''6,939'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|40.46% ''4,716'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.00% ''0'' |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|1960 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|35.86% ''3,825'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''64.14%''' ''6,842'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.00% ''0'' |- |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|1956 |align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|24.60% ''2,232'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''75.40%''' ''6,842'' |align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.00% ''0'' |} Westport, like Connecticut as a whole, is heavily Democratic. Hillary Clinton outscored Donald Trump by 42 points in 2016. Joe Biden went on to beat Trump by more than 50 points in 2020, marking the best performance for a Democratic presidential nominee in the town in over 60 years.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.westportct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/34249/637406097644600000 |title=OFFICIAL RETURNS NOVEMBER 3, 2020 |access-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123155421/https://www.westportct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/34249/637406097644600000 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Westport was one of five towns in Connecticut that backed former Governor John Kasich over Donald Trump in the 2016 Republican presidential primary. Kasich received 1,098 votes (46.19 percent) ahead of Trump who garnered 1,053 votes (44.30 percent). U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas finished third with 165 votes (6.94 percent).<ref>{{cite web| url=https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sots/electionservices/statementofvote_pdfs/april2016republicanpppsovpdf.pdf?la=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209031909/http://www.portal.ct.gov/-/media/sots/ElectionServices/StatementOfVote_PDFs/April2016RepublicanPPPSOVpdf.pdf?la=en |archive-date=December 9, 2017 |title=Statement of Vote - Connecticut Republican Presidential Preference Primary | date=April 26, 2016 | url-status=live | access-date=October 29, 2023 }}</ref>
The town switched to a Representative Town Meeting style governance in 1949. The government consists of a three-member Board of Selectmen, a Representative Town Meeting (RTM), a Board of Finance, a Board of Education, a Planning and Zoning Commission, and various other commissions, boards, and committees. {| class=wikitable ! colspan = 6 | Voter registration and party enrollment as of October 26, 2021<ref>{{cite web|url=https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sots/electionservices/registration_and_enrollment_stats/october-26-2021-registration-and-party-enrollment-statistics.pdf|title=Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of October 26, 2021|publisher=Connecticut Secretary of State|access-date=November 3, 2021|archive-date=January 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119004854/https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SOTS/ElectionServices/Registration_and_Enrollment_Stats/October-26-2021-Registration-and-Party-Enrollment-Statistics.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! colspan = 2 | Party ! Active voters ! Inactive voters ! Total voters ! Percentage |- | {{party color cell|Democratic Party (United States)}} | Democratic | align = center | 8,495 | align = center | 729 | align = center | 9,224 | align = center | 42.51% |- | {{party color cell|Republican Party (United States)}} | Republican | align = center | 3,845 | align = center | 404 | align = center | 4,249 | align = center | 19.58% |- | {{party color cell|Independent Party (United States)}} | Unaffiliated | align = center | 7,289 | align = center | 731 | align = center | 8,020 | align = center | 36.97% |- | {{party color cell|Independent Party (United States)}} | Minor parties | align = center | 186 | align = center | 17 | align = center | 203 | align = center | 0.94% |- ! colspan = 2 | Total ! align = center | 19,815 ! align = center | 1,881 ! align = center | 21,696 ! align = center | 100% |}
=== Taxes === As of 2019, the mill rate of Westport is 16.86.<ref>{{cite web |title=FY 2020 Mill Rates |url=https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/OPM/IGPP-Data-Grants-Mgmt/FY-2020-Mill-Rates.pdf?la=en |website=State of Connecticut |access-date=November 21, 2019 |date=November 10, 2019 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111193258/https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/OPM/IGPP-Data-Grants-Mgmt/FY-2020-Mill-Rates.pdf?la=en |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Education==
===Schools===
====Public schools====
thumb|right|alt=View of Staples High School, December 2011|Staples High School
Staples High School is Westport's only public high school.
The district has two middle schools, Bedford Middle School and Coleytown Middle School. In September 2009, Bedford Middle School was awarded the government-honored Blue Ribbon Award.
There are five elementary schools with a total of 2,556 students: * Coleytown Elementary School<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ces.westport.k12.ct.us/cesinformation/|title=Coleytown Elementary School|access-date=July 3, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010123221700/http://ces.westport.k12.ct.us/cesinformation/|archive-date=January 23, 2001|url-status=dead}}</ref> * King's Highway Elementary School<ref>{{cite web|url=http://khs.westport.k12.ct.us/khsinformation/|title=King's Highway Elementary School|access-date=November 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023061153/http://khs.westport.k12.ct.us/khsinformation/|archive-date=October 23, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Greens Farms Elementary School<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blackboard.westport.k12.ct.us/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_22_1|title=Green's Farms Elementary School|access-date=December 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724005540/http://blackboard.westport.k12.ct.us/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_22_1|archive-date=July 24, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Saugatuck Elementary School<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blackboard.westport.k12.ct.us/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_28_1|title=Saugatuck Elementary School|access-date=December 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815104541/http://blackboard.westport.k12.ct.us/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_28_1|archive-date=August 15, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Long Lots Elementary School<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blackboard.westport.k12.ct.us/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_36_1|title=Long Lots Elementary School|access-date=December 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724005706/http://blackboard.westport.k12.ct.us/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_36_1|archive-date=July 24, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
====Private schools==== Greens Farms Academy, located in the 1920s Vanderbilt estate overlooking Long Island Sound, is a K–12 private preparatory school located in the Greens Farms section of town.
==Media== Westport's first newspaper dates back to the printing and publication of the first issue of ''The Saugatuck Journal'' on December 26, 1828.<ref name=Klein(Conn.)2000.119.146>{{cite book|author1=Woody Klein|author2=Westport Historical Society (Conn.)|title=Westport, Connecticut: the story of a New England town's rise to prominence|url=https://archive.org/details/westportconnecti00klei|url-access=registration|access-date=November 29, 2011|date=May 2000|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=978-0-313-31126-0|pages=[https://archive.org/details/westportconnecti00klei/page/119 119]–146}}</ref><ref name=Klein(Conn.)2000.65.82>{{cite book|author1=Woody Klein|author2=Westport Historical Society (Conn.)|title=Westport, Connecticut: the story of a New England town's rise to prominence|url=https://archive.org/details/westportconnecti00klei|url-access=registration|access-date=November 21, 2011|date=May 2000|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=978-0-313-31126-0|pages=[https://archive.org/details/westportconnecti00klei/page/65 65]–82}}</ref>
Westport is served by both English-language newspapers and news websites including ''Westport News''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newsandtech.com/dateline/connecticut-weeklies-close/article_c4cdfe0e-c8a9-11e7-b34c-cfc7a98088ea.html|title=Connecticut weeklies close - Free weeklies the Westport Minuteman and the Fairfield Minuteman (Connecticut) ceased publication in late October, according to WestportNow.com.|access-date=November 17, 2018|archive-date=November 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117151148/https://newsandtech.com/dateline/connecticut-weeklies-close/article_c4cdfe0e-c8a9-11e7-b34c-cfc7a98088ea.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> and ''WestportNow''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://westportnow.com/index.php|title=WestportNow.com - Westport, Connecticut's 24-hours News and Information Source|website=westportnow.com|access-date=November 17, 2018|archive-date=November 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117130558/https://westportnow.com/index.php|url-status=live}}</ref> The town is also home to a monthly magazine ''Westport''',''''' and the blog, ''06880''.
==Infrastructure== ===Transportation=== {{multiple image | align = right | perrow = 2 | total_width = 225 | image1 = WestportCTGreensFarmsTracksideStaHouse11172007.jpg | image2 = WestportCTTrainStation09302007.jpg | footer = Westport has two stations on Metro-North Railroad's New Haven Line | direction = vertical | alt1 = | caption1 = Green's Farms station | caption2 = Westport station }} Interstate 95, the Merritt Parkway, and U.S. 1, as well as the Saugatuck River, run through Westport.
Westport has two train stations, Green's Farms and Westport on the Metro-North Railroad's New Haven Line, which serves Stamford and Grand Central Terminal in New York City or New Haven Union Station. This line is shared with Amtrak as part of the Northeast Corridor, but no Amtrak services stop at Green's Farms or Westport. The nearest Amtrak stations are at Bridgeport (10 miles) and Stamford (12 miles).
As of 2019, Westport has the highest per capita electric vehicle ownership among municipalities in Connecticut, and #3 overall.<ref>{{Cite web |title=As Connecticut struggles to boost electric vehicles on the road, Westport punches above its weight |url=https://www.courant.com/business/hc-biz-electric-vehicles-westport-20210724-n2hjz34pojctfkuuvkih6uqhi4-story.html |access-date=June 21, 2022 |website=Hartford Courant |date=July 24, 2021 |archive-date=June 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621051916/https://www.courant.com/business/hc-biz-electric-vehicles-westport-20210724-n2hjz34pojctfkuuvkih6uqhi4-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
The Norwalk Transit District offers transit options.
=== Police department === As of 2020, the Westport Police Department has a full-time complement of 64 sworn police officers that serve the Town of Westport.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Department Information {{!}} Westport, CT|url=https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/police-department/about-us|access-date=September 25, 2020|website=www.westportct.gov|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018223549/https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/police-department/about-us|url-status=live}}</ref> This department has purchased electric and hybrid fleets.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Westport Police Buys First Tesla Squad Car in Conn.|url=https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/westport-police-buys-first-tesla-squad-car-in-conn/2192450/|access-date=September 25, 2020|website=NBC Connecticut|date=December 10, 2019 |language=en-US|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022095344/https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/westport-police-buys-first-tesla-squad-car-in-conn/2192450/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Fire department=== The town of Westport is protected by the paid, full-time firefighters of the Westport Fire Department. Established in 1929, the Westport Fire Department operates out of four fire stations, located throughout the town, and maintains a fire apparatus fleet of six engines, (four first line and two reserve) one truck, one rescue, one fireboat, one High Water Unit, one utility unit and one Shift Commander's unit. The fire department also holds the Fairfield County Hazardous Materials Truck, housed at Westport Fire Headquarters. The Westport Fire Department responds to, on average, approximately 4,000 emergency calls annually.<ref>[http://www.westportct.gov/index.aspx?page=111 Town of Westport, CT : Fire Department] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025031037/http://www.westportct.gov/index.aspx?page=111 |date=October 25, 2012 }}. Westportct.gov (August 17, 2012). Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>
== Notable people == {{Main list|List of people from Westport, Connecticut}}
Among the many actors, singers and other entertainers who have lived in town is Paul Newman who resided in Westport from 1960 until his death in 2008. His wife, Joanne Woodward, still resides in town.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/movies/28newman.html |newspaper = The New York Times |title = Paul Newman, a Magnetic Titan of Hollywood, Is Dead at 83 |first = Aljean |last = Harmetz |date = September 28, 2008 |access-date = April 6, 2010 |archive-date = December 8, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081208234243/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/movies/28newman.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="The Encyclopedia of New York City Second Edition">{{cite book |title=The Encyclopedia of New York City Second Edition |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lI5ERUmHf3YC&pg=PT3240 |access-date=December 12, 2011 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0-300-18257-6 |pages=3240– |date=December 1, 2010 |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308125444/https://books.google.com/books?id=lI5ERUmHf3YC&pg=PT3240 |url-status=live }}</ref> Fala (1940–1952), President Franklin D. Roosevelt's dog, was an early Christmas gift from Mrs. Augustus G. Kellogg, a town resident.<ref name="Derr2005">{{cite book |first = Mark |last = Derr |title = A Dog's History of America: How Our Best Friend Explored, Conquered, and Settled a Continent |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=AO1WTqb5fMwC&pg=PA305 |access-date = November 12, 2011 |date = September 15, 2005 |publisher = Macmillan |isbn = 978-0-374-52997-0 |page = 305 |archive-date = March 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230308125502/https://books.google.com/books?id=AO1WTqb5fMwC&pg=PA305 |url-status = live }}</ref> Actress Grace Carney moved to Westport in 1979, when she became president of United Tool and Die, a company started by her father.<ref>Frahm, Robert A., From Footlights to Philanthropy,''The Hartford Courant'', February 28, 1998</ref> She died in the city in 2009.<ref>Obituary, ‘’The Hartford Courant’’, March 28, 2009</ref> Actress Gene Tierney grew up in Greens Farms.<ref name="Inc1940">{{cite book |author=Time Inc. |title=LIFE |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tj8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA35 |access-date=November 12, 2011 |date=February 19, 1940 |publisher=Time Inc. |page=35 |issn=0024-3019 |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308125521/https://books.google.com/books?id=tj8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA35 |url-status=live }}</ref> Adult film star Marilyn Chambers grew up in Westport under her given name Marilyn Briggs. Martha Stewart also lived in Westport at her historic estate of Turkey Hill.<ref name="Price2007">{{cite book |first = Joann F. |last = Price |title = Martha Stewart: a biography |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=uIAgzyk4VboC&pg=PA33 |access-date = November 12, 2011 |date = June 2007 |publisher = Greenwood Publishing Group |isbn = 978-0-313-33893-9 |page = 33 |archive-date = March 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230308125444/https://books.google.com/books?id=uIAgzyk4VboC&pg=PA33 |url-status = live }}</ref> Jean Donovan, a lay Roman Catholic missionary martyred in El Salvador in 1980 grew up in Westport and graduated from Staples High School. She is honored on the litany of saints by the Lutheran World Federation and by The Anglican Communion. Academy Award winner Sandy Dennis lived in Westport until her death in 1992. Former FDA chief Scott Gottlieb is a resident of Westport.<ref>{{Cite web|last=LaVito|first=Angelica|date=March 31, 2019|title=Outgoing FDA chief Scott Gottlieb gets personal about leaving 'the best job' he's ever had|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/31/outgoing-fda-chief-gottlieb-gets-personal-about-leaving-the-best-job.html|access-date=May 2, 2021|website=CNBC|language=en|archive-date=July 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712033702/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/31/outgoing-fda-chief-gottlieb-gets-personal-about-leaving-the-best-job.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Former FBI director, James Comey, was a long-time resident of the town.<ref>{{Cite web|last=danremond|first=Sam|title=Inside James Comey's Quiet Life in Westport, Connecticut|date=April 17, 2018|url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/politics/a9904151/james-comey-westport/|access-date=June 8, 2022|archive-date=June 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608152602/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/politics/a9904151/james-comey-westport/|url-status=live}}</ref> Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald also lived in Westport around 1920.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Lidia |date=May 29, 2015 |title=F. Scott Fitzgerald in Westport |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/news/slideshow/F-Scott-Fitzgerald-in-Westport-110671.php |access-date=February 19, 2023 |website=CT Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219154040/https://www.ctinsider.com/news/slideshow/F-Scott-Fitzgerald-in-Westport-110671.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Keith Richards, a founder member of The Rolling Stones has lived in Weston for many years.
==In popular culture== * In the television series ''The West Wing'', Josh Lyman is a native of Westport * Westport was the location of the fictional residence (1164 Morning Glory Circle) of Darrin and Samantha Stephens on the television series ''Bewitched''<ref name="Terrace1993">{{cite book|author=Vincent Terrace|title=Television character and story facts: over 110,000 details from 1,008 shows, 1945–1992|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1jUbAQAAIAAJ|access-date=November 13, 2011|date=October 1993|publisher=McFarland & Co.|isbn=978-0-89950-891-7|page=46}}</ref> * In the sixth and final season of ''I Love Lucy'', the Ricardos and Mertzes leave New York and move to Westport * ''The Twilight Zone'' had one episode called "A Stop at Willoughby", wherein the main character worked in NYC and commuted by train to his home in Westport.<ref name="Feldman2010">{{cite book|author=Leslie Dale Feldman|title=Spaceships and Politics: The Political Theory of Rod Serling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sD1Rj8rRDiUC&pg=PA91|access-date=November 13, 2011|date=November 30, 2010|publisher=Lexington Books|isbn=978-0-7391-2045-3|pages=91–92|archive-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308125443/https://books.google.com/books?id=sD1Rj8rRDiUC&pg=PA91|url-status=live}}</ref> It aired on May 6, 1960, and the episode was written by then-Westport resident Rod Serling * The 1955 film ''The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit'' includes a scene where Jennifer Jones meets Gregory Peck at the Westport station * ''The Swimmer'' (1968), a film starring Burt Lancaster, is based on a short story by John Cheever. Most of the film was shot in backyard pool locations in Westport<ref name=Donovan1990>{{cite news|last=Donovan|first=Elisabeth|title=Just Pooling Around|newspaper=Miami Herald |date=June 24, 1990}}</ref> * ''The Stepford Wives'' (1975) was filmed in various Westport locations and used a colonial house in the Williamsburg district as the home of the main characters<ref name="NewYorkTimes1985April21CharlesEleanor">{{cite news |last=Charles |first=Eleanor |title=Connecticut Guide |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/04/21/nyregion/connecticut-guide-176301.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502141016/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/04/21/nyregion/connecticut-guide-176301.html |archive-date=May 2, 2019 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |work=The New York Times |date=April 21, 1985 |page=CN11 |language=en |access-date=May 2, 2019}}</ref> * Don DeLillo's ''Underworld'' (1997) features an ad executive named Charlie Wainwright who in 1961 lives in Westport<ref>Don DeLillo, ''Underworld''. New York: Scribner's (1997), pp. 526–35.</ref> *The 1998 production ''This Is My Father'' was partly filmed in Westport<ref name="BessièreOdin2004">{{cite book|author1=Irène Bessière|author2=Roger Odin|title=Les européens dans le cinéma américain: émigration et exil|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MVEXawZ3zD0C&pg=PA217|access-date=November 14, 2011|year=2004|publisher=Presses Sorbonne Nouvelle|isbn=978-2-87854-261-5|page=217|archive-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308125456/https://books.google.com/books?id=MVEXawZ3zD0C&pg=PA217|url-status=live}}</ref> *The 2004 film ''The Girl Next Door'' was vaguely based on Westport – director Luke Greenfield grew up in town. It was filmed and set in California. That same decade parts of the 2008 production of ''The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2'' were filmed in Westport<ref>{{cite news|last=Meyers|first=Joe|title=Major movies filmed scenes in Conn.|newspaper=Connecticut Post Online|date=September 10, 2008 |quote=The recent Warner Bros. release 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2' features parts of Bridgeport standing in for Providence, R.I. and Manhattan; the Westport Country Playhouse is passed off as a Vermont summer stock theater; and WestConn in Danbury fills in for the Rhode Island School of Design}}</ref> * ''American Housewife'' primarily takes place in Westport<ref name="NewYorkTimes2016October10GenzlingerNeil">{{cite news |last1=Genzlinger |first1=Neil |date=October 10, 2016 |title=Review: In 'American Housewife,' a Plus-Size Mom in the Land of Fitbits|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/11/arts/television/review-in-american-housewife-a-plus-size-mom-in-the-land-of-fitbits.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503140829/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/11/arts/television/review-in-american-housewife-a-plus-size-mom-in-the-land-of-fitbits.html |archive-date=May 3, 2019 |url-status=live |department=Television |work=The New York Times |page=C6 |language=en |access-date=May 3, 2019}}</ref> * Robert Lawson's children's novel ''Rabbit Hill'' depicts a colony of anthropomorphic rabbits living in the countryside near Westport * In ''The Last Olympian,'' the final novel of the ''Percy Jackson & the Olympians'' series by Rick Riordan, the titular character, Percy Jackson, travels to Westport to visit antagonist Luke Castellan's childhood home *''The Land of Steady Habits'' is set in Westport
==Sister cities== {{As of|2023|}}, Westport has four sister cities:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westportct.gov/index.aspx?page=190|title=Town of Westport, CT : Sister Cities Committee|work=westportct.gov|access-date=February 19, 2014|archive-date=January 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123172425/http://www.westportct.gov/index.aspx?page=190|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Lyman, Ukraine<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 19, 2022 |title="06880" Plea: Help Our New Sister City In Ukraine — By Christmas! |url=https://06880danwoog.com/2022/12/19/06880-plea-help-our-new-sister-city-in-ukraine-by-christmas/ |access-date=January 9, 2023 |website=06880 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109024814/https://06880danwoog.com/2022/12/19/06880-plea-help-our-new-sister-city-in-ukraine-by-christmas/ |url-status=live }}</ref> * Marigny-le-Lozon, France * Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China * St. Petersburg, Russia
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category}} {{Wikivoyage|Westport (Connecticut)|Westport, Connecticut}} * {{official website|http://www.westportct.gov}}
{{Western Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut}} {{Fairfield County, Connecticut}} {{Connecticut}} {{New York metropolitan area}} {{Portal bar|Connecticut|New England}}
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Category:Westport, Connecticut Category:Populated coastal places in Connecticut Category:Towns in Connecticut Category:Towns in Fairfield County, Connecticut Category:Towns in the New York metropolitan area Category:1835 establishments in Connecticut Category:Populated places in the United States established in 1835 Category:Towns in Western Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut