Before European colonization, the area now known as Bridgeport was occupied by the Paugussett Native American tribe. The first European settlers lived in the historical Starfield district along US Route 1, known as King’s Highway, during colonial times. Farming, trade, shipbuilding, and whaling were the economic activities of the European settlers in Bridgeport.

Bridgeport became incorporated as a town and rapidly grew after getting connected to New York and New Haven by rail. The name Bridgeport comes from the need to construct bridges over the Pequonnock River. These bridges provided a navigable port located at the mouth of this river. In 1781, the State of Connecticut was ratified as a US State by the Articles of Confederation, and in 1800, the Borough of Bridgeport was incorporated into the state.

Following the Civil War, Bridgeport held several iron foundries and factories for manufacturing firearms, metallic cartridges, locks, and blinds. Bridgeport became a major industrial center, and the population continued to grow from 25,000 to over 100,000. The industrial sector declined in the 20th century, and Bridgeport has gradually adjusted to a service-based economy.

One of the things you can do while living in Bridgeport is to visit some of its parks. Bridgeport has a public park system that operates all the public parks in the city. The city is nicknamed “the Park City” because of the good management of public parks. Seaside Park is considered the best public park in Bridgeport due to its lush lawns, shady glades, and sports fields. You can picnic, bathe on the beach, hike, and surf. In Bridgeport, other parks you can visit include Ellsworth Park, Went Field, Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum, and Beardsley Park.

If you are a sports fan, you can visit the Webster Bank Arena, which serves as the city’s sports and hospitality center. The arena serves as the home of the Bridgeport Islanders AHL hockey team and the Sacred Heart University’s men's hockey team. It is also the home court of Fairfield University’s basketball team. In addition to hosting different sports, the arena also plays host to different entertainment acts throughout the year. Other venues that host sporting and other entertainment events include the Ballpark at Harbor Yard, Kennedy Stadium, and Nutmeg Curling Club.

You can take your kids or even go by yourself to the Discovery Museum and Planetarium. This is an educational facility that is both entertaining and educational. The museum is hands-on and activity-based, allowing visitors to learn through personal experience. The museum has three permanent galleries and features lessons and activities on electricity, sound, and space. While living in Bridgeport, other fun things you can do include visiting the Beardly Zoo, eating at Joseph Steakhouse, and visiting the Captain’s Cove Seaport.