Bridgeport

Bridgeport, city (1990 pop. 141,686), Fairfield co., SW Conn., on Long Island Sound; inc. 1836. Long a chief industrial city in Connecticut, it makes electrical appliances, transportation equipment, clothing, ammunition, metal products, wiring devices, machinery, helicopters, motor vehicles, and building materials. Settled in 1639, Bridgeport first grew as a fishing community. Heavy industry declined rapidly after 1970, and Bridgeport struggled as more affluent residents fled to the suburbs. The Barnum Institute of Science and History commemorates showman P. T. Barnum, who lived in Bridgeport and whose circus wintered there. The Univ. of Bridgeport is in the city.

---

Bridgeport

City (pop., 2000: 139,529), southwestern Connecticut, U.S. Located on Long Island Sound at the mouth of the Pequonnock River, it was settled in 1639. Its earlier names included Newfield and Stratfield; Bridgeport was chosen in 1800. P.T. Barnum was once its mayor, and his star attraction “Tom Thumb” was born there. The city evolved into an industrial centre following the arrival of the railroad in 1840. In the late 20th century, its industrial base eroded, causing financial problems for the city.