Stamford City was known as Rippowam by the local Siwanoy Native Americans in the region. The first European settlers referred to it by the same name but later changed the name to Stamford after a town in Lincolnshire, England, on 1 July 1640. The parties negotiated an interesting purchase price for 12 coats, 12 hoes, 12 ratchets, 12 glasses, 12 knives, four kettles, and four fathoms of white wampum. Wampum was the shell used as currency back then, and a fathom was equal to 360 shells. The first schoolhouse built in 1671 was only ten or 12 feet square. Attackers tore it down during the British invasion in July 1781, and leaders erected Fort Stamford following the attack. The electric dry shaver was invented in Stamford, and by 1940 Colonel Jacob Schick employed nearly 1,000 workers at the Schick Dry Shaver Company. An urban blight in the 1950s took its toll on a once vibrant downtown, leaving many stores empty due to a weak economy. Housing also became unsafe and unsanitary at the time. The city fathers sought federal and state funding to restore the city economy. In 1960 Stamford and its redevelopment arm, the Urban Redevelopment Commission entered into a contract that would dramatically alter the face of its downtown. In 1968 construction commenced on the three-round St. John apartment towers. Construction workers demolished nine city blocks, displacing many families and businesses in the process, later accommodating many in the three towers. Stamford's inner city does not have many old architectural buildings because of the extensive demolition of the inner city which took place then. However, by 1972, 300,000 square feet of offices were erected, creating many of the tallest buildings in the town in 37 years.

From parks to museums, theaters, libraries, breweries, arboretums, churches, galleries, and beaches, Stamford has much to offer.

⁠Cove Island Park: This park has it all, from trails for walking and jogging to a bird sanctuary and butterfly garden, a playground for the kids, beautiful extensive lawns for playing soccer and kite flying, a marina, and fishing dock, and an indoor ice -skating rink.

The Palace Theater: This theater was built in 1927 as a 1,580-seat vaudeville house. The seats are comfortably spaced so that you almost always have an unobstructed view of the stage and performers. The city commissioned the rebuilding of the theater in 1983, restoring it to its former glory, and so it remains one of the city's favorite theaters. In addition, many local restaurants make sure that their specials coincide with the theater shows so that you can always rely on a good meal after the show.

⁠Escape Rooms: The city has two of these, Trap't and Deadlocked. These venues provide so much fun for families, friends, bachelor parties, team building, and birthday parties playing real-life escape games.

⁠Ukrainian museum and library: This museum and library should hold a particular interest for visitors interested in Ukraine, built to honor the immigrants who chose the U.S. as their home.

⁠Bartlett Arboretum: Something different - a botanical garden devoted to trees. The trees and plants are all well marked, and this park also has some pleasant hiking trails. For those who prefer not to walk, you can drive to the top of the hill in the park.

⁠Half Full Brewery and Lock City Brewing Company: This fine establishment serves excellent beer and hosts birthday functions with prior booking. After visiting the numerous theaters and galleries, it also offers a great end to a busy day.