Town of Westport

Facts about Westport

Town/City established:

• Incorporated in 1835.

Named from: 

• Incorporated from Fairfield, Norwalk, and Weston, May, 1835; name descriptive, Indian name, "Saugatuck."

County:

• Fairfield.

Notable citizens (past and present):

• Paul Newman, actor.
• Gene Tierney, actress.
• Martha Stewart; author, chef.
• Saint Jean Donovan, a lay missioner martyred in El Salvador in 1980.

Top Five Attractions:

• Compo Beach.
• Sherwood Island State Park.
• Westport Country Playhouse.
• Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts.
• Westport Arts Center.

Annual Visitor’s Events:

• Art About Town, May.
• Fine Arts Festival, July.
• Blues, Views & BBQ Festival, August.
• CraftWestport, November.
• First Night Westport, December 31.

Quality town/city:

• Westport has a vibrant downtown and a healthy commercial environment that generates the feeling of a New England town with the convenience of modern life. Residents enjoy the quality of life due to the commitment to conserve natural resources, preserve traditions, and support community events. The town provides a wide range of leisure activities and recreational venues. The town is located on Long Island Sound and has three beaches located on the coast.