| image_caption = Clockwise from top: Old Town Hall, [[Fairfield University Art Museum]], Fairfield Community Theater, Fairfield Beach, Lake Mohegan
|map_caption1 =
|subdivision_type = [[NECTA]]
| image_flag = Fairfield, CT Flag.gif
| image_seal = Fairfield Connecticut Town Seal.png
|subdivision_name = Bridgeport-Stamford
|subdivision_type1 = Region
| etymology =
|subdivision_name1 = GreaterBridgeport
| motto = Qui Transtulit Sustinet
| image_map = {{switcher|[[File:Fairfield County Connecticut incorporated and unincorporated areas Fairfield highlighted.svg|230px|frameless|alt=Fairfield's location within Fairfield County and Connecticut]]| [[Fairfield County, Connecticut|Fairfield County]] and Connecticut|[[File:Greater Bridgeport incorporated and unincorporated areas Fairfield highlighted.svg|250px|frameless|alt=Fairfield's location within the Greater Bridgeport Planning Region and the state of Connecticut]]| [[Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut|Greater Bridgeport Planning Region]] and Connecticut|default=1}}
|settlement_type = [[New England town|Town]]
| image_map1 = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=280|frame-height=200|frame-coord=SWITCH:{{coord|qid=Q754635}}###{{coord|qid=Q779}}###{{coord|41|10|33|N|73|16|19|W}}|zoom=SWITCH:10;6;3|type=SWITCH:shape-inverse;point;point|marker=city|stroke-width=2|stroke-color=#000000|id2=SWITCH:Q754635;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=Fairfield;Connecticut;the United States}}
| leader_party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
|population_total = 57813
| leader_title = [[Board of selectmen#First selectman|First selectman]]
|population_density_km2 = 744
| leader_name = Bill Gerber
|population_density_sq_mi = 1927
| leader_title1 = Selectwoman
|timezone = [[Eastern Standard Time Zone|Eastern]]
|utc_offset = -5
| leader_name1 = Christine Vitale (D)
| leader_title2 = Selectwoman
|timezone_DST = [[Eastern Standard Time Zone|Eastern]]
| leader_name2 = [[Brenda Kupchick]] (R)
|utc_offset_DST = -4
|area_land_sq_mi = 30.0
| unit_pref = US
| government_type = [[Representative Town Meeting|RTM]]
|area_water_sq_mi = 1.3
| area_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|title=Connecticut: 2010 Population and Housing Unit Counts|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-8.pdf|website=United States Census 2010|publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce|access-date=June 28, 2017|ref=1|page=10}}</ref>
'''Fairfield''' is a [[New England town|town]] located in [[Fairfield County, Connecticut|Fairfield County]], [[Connecticut]], [[United States]]. It is situated along the [[Gold Coast (Connecticut)|Gold Coast of Connecticut]]. Fairfield is a town of many neighborhoods, two of which -- Southport and Greenfield Hill -- are notably affluent. As of the [[United States 2000 Census|2000 census]], the town had a total population of 57,340. In July 2006, [[Money Magazine]] ranked Fairfield the ninth "best place to live" in the United States, and the best place to live in the Northeast.<ref>[http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/index.html Money Magazine Best Places to Live, 2006] Retrieved on March 11, 2008</ref>
This is primarily due to its affluence, low crime rate, excellent public school system, suburban character, scenic location on the Long Island Sound, and proximity to New York. The town was also listed among the "preppiest" places in the United States in the tongue-in-cheek 1980s best-seller ''[[Official Preppy Handbook|The Official Preppy Handbook]]''.
'''Fairfield''' is a [[New England town|town]] in [[Fairfield County, Connecticut]], United States. It borders the city of [[Bridgeport, Connecticut|Bridgeport]] and towns of [[Trumbull, Connecticut|Trumbull]], [[Easton, Connecticut|Easton]], [[Weston, Connecticut|Weston]], and [[Westport, Connecticut|Westport]] along the [[Gold Coast (Connecticut)|Gold Coast of Connecticut]]. As of 2020, the town had a population of 61,512.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=0600000US0900126620|title=Census - Geography Profile: Fairfield town, Fairfield County, Connecticut|access-date= December 15, 2021}}</ref> The town is part of the [[Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut|Greater Bridgeport Planning Region]].
It considers itself the "[[dogwood]] capital of the world," and each spring a Dogwood Festival takes place in the [[Greenfield Hill]] neighborhood.
==History==
Fairfield is home to [[Fairfield University]].
=== Colonial era ===
The television sitcom ''[[Who's the Boss?]]'' took place in Fairfield; in certain episodes, particular streets and even neighboring Bridgeport were mentioned. In fact, the lead character, Tony, attended Fairfield University and wore an official Fairfield University sweatshirt during the episode. An episode of the [[Food Network]] show ''[[Rachael Ray]]'s Block Party'' was filmed in Fairfield, as were portions of several episodes of ''[[Ham on the Street]]''.
In 1635, [[Puritan]]s and [[Congregationalists]] in the [[Massachusetts Bay Colony]], were dissatisfied with the rate of [[Anglican]] reform, and sought to establish an ecclesiastical society subject to their own rules and regulations. The Massachusetts General Court granted them permission to settle in the towns of [[Windsor, Connecticut|Windsor]], [[Wethersfield, Connecticut|Wethersfield]], and [[Hartford, Connecticut|Hartford]] which are now within a state known as [[Connecticut]].
== Political government ==
The town government consists of the three-member Board of Selectmen, a Representative Town Meeting (RTM), a Board of Finance, a Board of Education, a Planning and Zoning Commission, and many other politically appointed commissions, boards, and committees. The current First Selectman is Kenneth A. Flatto, who is currently serving his fifth term in office. Flatto is embroiled in an Ethics Complaint filed by residents over his handeling of a large commercial development know as the Fairfield Metro Center<ref name="WUF1">{{cite web|url=http://whatsupfairfield.blogspot.com/search/label/Original%20Ethics%20Complaint%20filed%20Jue%2013|title=Ethics Complaint |publisher=What's Up Fairfield |author=Complaintants|date=2008-06-13}}</ref> .
On January 14, 1639, a set of legal and administrative regulations called the [[Fundamental Orders of Connecticut|Fundamental Orders]] was adopted and established Connecticut as a self-ruling entity. By 1639, these settlers had started new towns in the surrounding areas. [[Roger Ludlowe]], framer of the Fundamental Orders, purchased the land called Unquowa (presently called Fairfield), and established the name. The name "Fairfield" is commendatory.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Connecticut Magazine: An Illustrated Monthly|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qoEyAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA332|year=1903|work=Connecticut Magazine Company|page=332}}</ref>
== History ==
===Colonial era===
In 1635 some [[Puritans]] and [[Congregationalists]] in the [[Massachusetts Bay Colony]] were dissatisfied with the rate of [[Anglican]] reforms, and sought to establish an ecclesiastical society subject to their own rules and regulations. The Massachusetts General Court granted them permission to settle the cities of Windsor, Wethersfield, and Hartford in the area now known as [[Connecticut]].
According to historian John M. Taylor:
On January 14, 1639, a set of legal and administrative regulations called the Fundamental Orders was adopted, and established Connecticut as a self-ruled entity. By 1639 these settlers had started new towns in the surrounding areas. [[Roger Ludlow]], framer of the Fundamental Orders, purchased the land presently Fairfield, and established the name.
{{blockquote|Early in 1639, the General Court granted a commission to Ludlowe to begin a plantation at Pequannocke. He was on that errand, with a few others from Windsor, afterwards joined by immigrants from [[Watertown, Massachusetts|Watertown]] and [[Concord, Massachusetts|Concord]]. He stole a large tract of land from the Pequannocke sachems – afterwards greatly enlarged by other purchases to the westward – and recalling the attractive region beyond (Unquowa), which he had personally seen on the second Pequot expedition, he also "set down" there, having purchased the territory embraced by the present town of Fairfield.<ref>Taylor, John M., ''Roger Ludlowe the Colonial Lawmaker'', 1900, Google Book Search, Retrieved May 27, 2008</ref>}}
===Towns created from Fairfield===
According to historian John M. Taylor:<ref>Taylor, John M., ''Roger Ludlow the Colonial Lawmaker'', 1900, Google Book Search, Retrieved May 27, 2008</ref>
Fairfield was one of the two principal settlements of the [[Connecticut Colony]] in southwestern Connecticut (the other was [[Stratford, Connecticut|Stratford]]). The town line with Stratford was set in May 1661 by John Banks, an early Fairfield settler, Richard Olmstead, and [[Joseph Judson|Lt. Joseph Judson]], who were both appointed as a committee by the Colony of Connecticut.<ref>Colonial Records of Connecticut Vol. 1 p. 367</ref> The town line with [[Norwalk, Connecticut|Norwalk]] was not set until May 1685.<ref>Colonial Records of Connecticut Vol. 3 p. 175</ref>
"Early in 1639 the General Court granted a commission to Ludlow to begin a plantation at Pequannocke. He was on that errand, with a few others from Windsor, afterwards joined by immigrants from Watertown and Concord. He bought a large tract of land from the Pequannocke sachems, - afterwards greatly enlarged by other purchases to the westward,- and recalling the attractive region beyond (Uncoa), which he had personally seen on the second Pequot expedition, he also “set down” there, having purchased the territory embraced in the present town of Fairfield, to which he gave its name."
Over time, several new towns broke off and incorporated separately. The following is a list of towns created from parts of Fairfield.
===Towns created from Fairfield===
* [[Redding, Connecticut|Redding]] in 1767
Fairfield was one of the two principal settlements in southwestern Connecticut (the other was [[Stratford, Connecticut|Stratford]]). Over time, it gave rise to several new towns that broke off and incorporated separately. The following is a list of towns created from parts of Fairfield.
*[[Redding, Connecticut|Redding]] in 1767
* [[Weston, Connecticut|Weston]] in 1787
*[[Weston, Connecticut|Weston]] in 1787
*[[Easton, Connecticut|Easton]], created from Weston in 1845
* [[Bridgeport, Connecticut|Bridgeport]] in 1821 (also partly from [[Stratford, Connecticut|Stratford]]) and again in 1870 when the [[Black Rock (Bridgeport)|Black Rock]] section left Fairfield
**[[Easton, Connecticut|Easton]] created from Weston in 1845
*[[Bridgeport, Connecticut|Bridgeport]] in 1821 (also partly from [[Stratford, Connecticut|Stratford]]) and again in 1895 when the [[Black Rock (Bridgeport)| Black Rock]] section left Fairfield
* [[Westport, Connecticut|Westport]] in 1835 (partly from Weston and [[Norwalk, Connecticut|Norwalk]])
*[[Westport, Connecticut|Westport]] in 1835 (also partly from Weston and [[Norwalk, Connecticut|Norwalk]])
===Revolutionary War===
===Revolutionary War===
{{See also|Burning of Fairfield (1779)}}
When the Revolutionary War began in the 1770s, Fairfielders were caught in the crisis as much as, if not more than, the rest of their neighbors in Connecticut. In a predominantly Tory section of the state, the people of Fairfield were early supporters of the cause for independence. Throughout the war, a constant battle was being fought across Long Island Sound as men from British-controlled Long Island raided the coast in whaleboats and [[privateers]]. [[Gold Selleck Silliman]], whose home still stands on Jennings Road, was put in charge of the coastal defenses.
When the [[American Revolutionary War]] began in the 1770s, Fairfielders were caught in the crisis as much as, if not more than, the rest of their neighbors in Connecticut. In a predominantly [[Loyalist (American Revolution)|Tory]] section of the colony, the people of Fairfield were early supporters of the cause for independence. Throughout the war, a constant battle was being fought across the [[Long Island Sound]] as Loyalists from [[Kingdom of Great Britain|British]]-controlled [[Long Island]] raided the coast in [[whaleboat]]s and [[privateer]]s. [[Gold Selleck Silliman]], whose home still stands on Jennings Road, was put in charge of the coastal defenses.
In the spring of 1779, he was kidnapped from his home by Tory forces in preparation for a British raid on Fairfield County. His wife watched from their home as, on the morning of July 7, 1779, approximately 2,000 enemy troops landed on Fairfield Beach near Pine Creek Point and proceeded to invade the town. When they left the following evening, the entire town lay in ruins, burned to the ground as punishment for Fairfield's support of the rebel cause. Ten years later, President [[George Washington]] noted after traveling through Fairfield, that " the destructive evidences of British cruelty are yet visible both in [[Norwalk, Connecticut|Norwalk]] and Fairfield; as there are the chimneys of many burnt houses standing in them yet."<ref>Washington, George. (1860). [http://books.google.com/books?id=2WoFAAAAQAAJ ''The Diary of George Washington, from 1789 to 1791: Embracing the Opening of the First Congress...'']. A.D.F. Randolph & Co. p. 21. Google Book Search. Retrieved on March 11, 2008</ref>
In the spring of 1779, Silliman was kidnapped from his home by [[Loyalist (American Revolution)|Loyalist]] raiders in preparation for a British raid on Fairfield County. His wife, [[Mary Silliman]] watched from their home as, on the morning of July 7, 1779, approximately 2,000 British troops landed on Fairfield Beach near Pine Creek Point; the force proceeded to [[Burning of Fairfield (1779)|burn Fairfield]] due to the town's support for [[Patriot (American Revolution)|Patriot]] cause. A decade later, President [[George Washington]] noted that after traveling through Fairfield that "the destructive evidence of British cruelty are [sic] yet visible both in [[Norwalk, Connecticut|Norwalk]] and Fairfield; as there are the chimneys of many burnt houses standing in them yet".<ref>Washington, George. (1860). [https://archive.org/details/diarygeorgewash00washgoog ''The Diary of George Washington, from 1789 to 1791'']. A.D.F. Randolph & Co. p. 21. Google Book Search. Retrieved on March 11, 2008</ref>
Fairfield recovered slowly from the burning, but soon after the end of the war its houses and public buildings had all been rebuilt.
===Twentieth century===
===Twentieth century===
[[World War I]] brought Fairfield out of its agrarian past by triggering an unprecedented economic boom in Bridgeport, the center of a large [[munition]]s industry. The prosperity created a housing shortage in the city, and many of the workers looked to Fairfield to build their homes. The [[tram|trolley]] and later the automobile made the countryside accessible to these newly rich members of the middle class, who brought with them new habits, new attitudes, and new modes of dress. The prosperity lasted through the twenties.
The [[World War I|First World War]] brought Fairfield out of its agrarian past by triggering an unprecedented economic boom in Bridgeport, which was the center of a large [[munition]]s industry at the time. The prosperity accompanied a temporary housing shortage in the city, and many of the workers looked to Fairfield to build their homes. The [[tram|trolley]] and later the automobile made the countryside accessible to these newly rich members of the middle class, who brought with them new habits, new attitudes, and new modes of dress. The prosperity lasted throughout the twenties.
By the time of the stock market crash in 1929, the population had increased to 17,000 from the 6,000 it had been just before the war. Even during the [[Great Depression|Depression]], the town kept growing.
By the time of the [[Wall Street Crash of 1929]], the population had increased to 17,000 from the 6,000 it had been just before the war. Even during the [[Great Depression|Depression]], the town kept expanding.
The grounding of a barge with two crewmen on Penfield Reef in Fairfield during a gale led to the first civilian helicopter hoist rescue in history, on November 29, 1945. The helicopter flew from the nearby [[Sikorsky Aircraft]] plant in Bridgeport.
The grounding of a barge with two crewmen on Penfield Reef in Fairfield during a gale led to the 1st civilian helicopter hoist rescue in history, on November 29, 1945. The helicopter flew from the nearby [[Sikorsky Aircraft]] plant in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
The opening of the [[Connecticut Turnpike]] in the 1950s brought another wave of development to Fairfield and by the 1960s the town's residential, suburban character was firmly established.
The opening of the [[Connecticut Turnpike]] in the 1950s brought another wave of development to Fairfield, and by the 1960s the town's residential, suburban character was firmly established.
===Population change===
Fairfield became the home of the corporate headquarters of [[General Electric]] (GE), one of the world's largest companies, ca. 1970. On May 8, 2017, GE relocated to Boston, Massachusetts.
Fairfield in 2000 had a population of 57,340 people the latest of 2004 put it at a 0.4% increase to 58,900 people, though some estimates of the 2006 September estimate place it at a 2% drop to 56,700 residents which is on par for many cities in the state of Connecticut.
[[Image:Fairfield Connecticut Town Green Woodcut c1840.jpg|thumb|Historical Woodcut from c1840 Showing Old Town Hall and Town Green]]
* David Ogden House — 1520 Bronson Road (added [[September 17]], [[1979]])
* Fairfield Historic District — Old Post Road from Post Road to Turney Road (added [[April 24]], [[1971]])
* Fairfield Railroad Stations — Carter Henry Drive (added [[August 28]], [[1989]])
* Greenfield Hill Historic District — Roughly bounded by Meeting House Lane, Hillside Road, Verna Hill Road and Bronson Road (added [[April 11]], [[1971]])
* John Osborne House — 909 King's Highway West (added [[March 12]], [[1987]])
* Jonathan Sturges House — 449 Mill Plain Road (added [[December 23]], [[1984]])
* Pine Creek Park Bridge — North of Old Dam Road, over Pine Circle (added [[May 8]], [[1992]])
* Southport Historic District — Roughly bounded by Southport Harbor, railroad tracks, Old South Road, and Rose Hill Road (added [[April 24]], [[1971]])
* Southport Railroad Stations — 96 Station St. and 100 Center St. (added [[August 28]], [[1989]])
===Other points of interest===
* Connecticut Audobon Society Center at Fairfield (separate from the Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary) – six miles of boardwalk nature trails in a 160-acre wildlife sanctuary with a nature center
* Fairfield Historical Society headquarters – displays on local history, art and decorative arts, and a library on local history
* Gallery of Contemporary Art at Sacred Heart University – holds five exhibitions each year
<gallery mode="packed">
==Education==
File:Fairfield Beach Postcard 1932.jpg|Postcard from 1932 showing bathers at Fairfield Beach
{{Main|Education in Fairfield, Connecticut}}
File:Tide Mill Tavern Fairfield Connecticut Postcard.jpg|Historical Postcard of the Tide Mill Tavern, [[Southport, Connecticut|Southport]]
Public schools in Fairfield include [[Fairfield Warde High School|Fairfield Warde]] and [[Fairfield Ludlowe High School|Fairfield Ludlowe]] High Schools; [[Roger Ludlowe Middle School|Roger Ludlowe]], Tomlinson, and Fairfield Woods Middle Schools; and 11 elementary schools.
File:Burr Homestead.jpg|Fairfield's Burr Homestead in a 1938 photo
File:Pequot Library.jpg|Pequot Library in [[Southport, Connecticut|Southport]], 1966
File:Fairfield Connecticut Town Green Woodcut c1840.jpg|Historical Woodcut from {{circa|1840}} Showing Old Town Hall and Town Green
File:Trinity Church Southport Connecticut.jpg|Trinity Church in Southport, 1966
File:Penfield Reef Light.jpg|Penfield Reef Lighthouse is located in Long Island Sound off the coast of Fairfield Beach
File:Bellarmine Hall (three-quarter view) - Jan 2011.JPG|Bellarmine Hall at [[Fairfield University]]
File:1812 Sycamore, Fairfield, CT - October 22, 2012.jpg|The "1812 Sycamore" near Town Hall (cut down in 2013)
File:Pequot Library 1894 historic building.jpg|Historic [[Pequot Library]], founded in 1887, [[Southport, Connecticut|Southport]]
</gallery>
==Geography==
Private schools include [[Fairfield College Preparatory School]], [[Notre Dame Catholic High School (Fairfield, Connecticut)|Notre Dame Catholic High School]], [[Fairfield Country Day School]], Holy Family School, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School and the Unquowa School.
The town is on the shore of the [[Long Island Sound]]. According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|31.3|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|30.0|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|3.4|km2|sqmi|sigfig=2}}, or 4.15%, is water.
===Waterways===
Fairfield is also home to post-secondary institutions [[Fairfield University]] and [[Sacred Heart University]].
Rivers flowing through Fairfield include [[Mill River (Fairfield, Connecticut)|Mill River]], [[Rooster River]], [[Ash Creek (Connecticut)|Ash Creek]], Sasco Brook, and [[Aspetuck River]].
===Neighborhoods===
[[Image:Burr Homestead.jpg|thumb|Fairfield's Burr Homestead in a 1938 photo]]
[[File:Fairfield Post Road 1956 Postcard.jpg|thumb|250px|Fairfield Center in a 1956 postcard]]
Fairfield consists of many neighborhoods. The best known are wealthy [[Southport, Connecticut|Southport]], where General Electric Chief Executive Officer [[Jack Welch]] lived for many years, and [[Greenfield Hill]], with its large green areas, famous dogwood trees, and picturesque green with its white-spired Congregational church. Other neighborhoods include Stratfield, Tunxis Hill, the University area, Grasmere, [[Mill Plain, Fairfield, Connecticut|Mill Plain]], Knapp's Village, Melville Village, Holland Hill, [[Murray, Connecticut|Murray]], and the [[Fairfield Beach (Fairfield)|Fairfield Beach]] area, which has recently undergone a renaissance with the construction of many new homes by residents wishing to live in proximity to the beach and downtown.<ref name="Prevost">Prevost, Lisa (July 3, 2005). "Living in/The Fairfield, Conn., Beach Area; A Beach Community in an Awkward Transition", ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref> This has resulted in steadily rising property prices.{{Citation needed|date=October 2019}} Two shopping districts in town include the [[Boston Post Road|Post Road]] ([[U.S. Route 1 in Connecticut|U.S. 1]]) and [[Black Rock Turnpike]].
* [[Fairfield Historic District (Fairfield, Connecticut)|Fairfield Center]]/Downtown Fairfield
== Geography ==
* [[Fairfield Beach (Fairfield)|Fairfield Beach]]
The town is on the shore of the [[Long Island Sound]]. According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of 31.3 [[square mile]]s (81.1 [[km²]]), of which, 30.0 square miles (77.8 km²) of it is land and 3.4 km² (1.3 sq mi or 4.15%) of it is water. Mill River, the waters of which feed Lake Mohegan, flows through the town (This is a different '[[Mill River|Mill River, Connecticut]]' from the one that flows south through New Haven, east of Fairfield).
* Fairfield Woods
* Grasmere
* [[Greenfield Hill]]
* Lake Hills
* Mill Plain
* Murray
* Sasco Hill and Beach
* [[Southport, Connecticut|Southport]]
* Stratfield Village
* Tunxis Hill
==Demographics==
Fairfield consists of many neighborhoods. The best known are wealthy [[Southport, Connecticut|Southport]] -- where well-known General Electric Chief Executive Officer Jack Welch lived for many years -- and [[Greenfield Hill]], with its large areas, famous dogwood trees, and picturesque green with white-spired Congregational church. Other well established neighborhoods include Stratfield, Tunxis Hill, the University area, Grasmere, Mill Plain, Knapp's Village, Melville Village, Holland Hill, and the [[Fairfield Beach, Connecticut|Fairfield Beach]] area, which has recently undergone a renaissance with the construction of many new homes by residents wising to live in proximity to the beach and downtown.<ref>Prevost, Lisa (July 3, 2005)."LIVING IN/The Fairfield, Conn., Beach Area; A Beach Community in an Awkward Transition, ''The New York Times''"</ref> Two shopping districts in town include the [[Boston Post Road|Post Road]] ([[U.S. Route 1 in Connecticut|U.S. 1]]) and [[Black Rock Turnpike]].
{{US Census population
|1820= 4151
|1840= 3654
|1850= 3614
|1860= 4379
|1870= 5645
|1880= 3748
|1890= 3868
|1900= 4489
|1910= 6134
|1920= 11475
|1930= 17218
|1940= 21135
|1950= 30489
|1960= 46183
|1970= 56487
|1980= 54849
|1990= 53418
|2000= 57340
|2010= 59404
|2020= 61512
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |title=Census of Population and Housing |publisher=Census.gov |access-date=June 4, 2015 }}</ref>
}}
{{See also|List of Connecticut locations by per capita income}}
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> of 2010, there were 59,404 people in the town, organized into 20,457 households and 14,846 families. The population density was {{convert|1,927|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 21,648 housing units at an average density of {{convert|703|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the town was 91.6% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 3.7% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 1.8% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.06% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.01% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.2% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.6% from two or more races. 5.0% of the population were [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race.
There were 20,457 households, out of which 38.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.4% were non-families. 22.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.19.
[[Image:Trinity Church Southport Connecticut.jpg|thumb|Trinity Church in Southport, 1966]]
In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 21.1% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.6 males.
*'''[[Bigelow Tea Company|R.C. Bigelow]]''' (Bigelow Tea Company) -- headquarters, Black Rock Turnpike
*'''[[Ruger|Sturm, Ruger & Co.]]''' --headquarters, Lacey Place in Southport, firearms manufacturer
The median household income (in 2013 dollars) was $117,705<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/INC110213/0900126620,00|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Fairfield town, Fairfield County, Connecticut; United States|website=Census Bureau QuickFacts}}</ref> (these figures had risen to $103,352 and $121,749 respectively as of a 2007 estimate<ref>[http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-context=adp&-qr_name=ACS_2007_3YR_G00_DP3YR3&-ds_name=ACS_2007_3YR_G00_&-tree_id=3307&-redoLog=false&-_caller=geoselect&-geo_id=06000US0900126620&-format=&-_lang=en American FactFinder] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200210222701/http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-context=adp&-qr_name=ACS_2007_3YR_G00_DP3YR3&-ds_name=ACS_2007_3YR_G00_&-tree_id=3307&-redoLog=false&-_caller=geoselect&-geo_id=06000US0900126620&-format=&-_lang=en |date=February 10, 2020 }}. Factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>). Males had a median income of $69,525 versus $44,837 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $55,733. 2.9% of the population and 1.8% of families were below the [[poverty line]]. Out of the total population, 2.8% of those under the age of 18 and 3.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
*The [[Fairfield community theatre|Fairfield Community Theatre Foundation]] or the FTC, not only runs the downtown, two-screen moviehouse for independent and second-run films, but operates educational programs for young people who also volunteer at the moviehouse. More information including what movies are currently playing, is available at the foundation's [http://www.communitytheatrefoundation.org/ Web site].
|+ Fairfield town vote<br /> by party in presidential elections<ref>{{cite web|url=http://authoring.ct.gov/SOTS/Election-Services/Statement-Of-Vote-PDFs/General-Elections-Statement-of-Vote-1922|title=General Elections Statement of Vote 1922|website=CT.gov – Connecticut's Official State Website}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Election Night Reporting|url=https://ctemspublic.pcctg.net/#/selectTown|access-date=May 2, 2021|website=CT Secretary of State}}</ref>
*The [[Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts]] on the campus of [[Fairfield University]] opened in 1990 and includes events such as popular and classical music, dance, theatre, programs for young audiences, and the [http://www.fairfield.edu/x5182.html Open VISIONS Forum] lecture series featuring present eminent opinion-makers, artists, authors, learned contributors to the humanities and sciences and civic and political commentators. It houses the 740-seat Kelley Theatre, the 150-seat Lawrence A. Wien Experimental (Black Box) Theatre, and the Thomas J. Walsh, Jr. Art Gallery. The Quick Center has become known as one of the finest concert halls in the country and was recognized as the "cultural epicenter of Fairfield County" by [http://www.westportmag.com/media/Westport-Magazine/December-2005/Intellectual-Hot-House/ Westport Magazine].
|- style="background:lightgrey;"
*The PepsiCo Theatre, a renovated 1922 carriage house on the campus of [[Fairfield University]], is the home to the Theatre Program of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and [http://www.fairfield.edu/x5487.html Theater Fairfield], the resident production company of the University. The PepsiCo Theatre is also home to [http://www.shakespeareventures.com/ Shakespeare Ventures], a professional theatre company.
! Year
*[http://www.wshu.org/ WSHU Public Radio]
! [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
[[Image:Fairfield Beach Postcard 1932.jpg|thumb|Postcard from 1932 showing bathers at Fairfield Beach, Connecticut]]
! [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
! [[Third party (United States)|Third Parties]]
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2020 United States presidential election|2020]]
[[Image:Tide Mill Tavern Fairfield Connecticut Postcard.jpg|thumb|Historical Postcard of the Tide Mill Tavern]]
! colspan="4" | Voter registration as of July 1, 2021<ref>{{Cite web|title=Registrars of Voters News - Town of Fairfield, Connecticut|url=https://fairfieldct.org/votenews/?FeedID=4481#tab0|access-date=November 4, 2021|website=fairfieldct.org|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130000452/https://www.fairfieldct.org/votenews/?FeedID=4481#tab0|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
! colspan = 2 | Party
! Registered Voters
! Percentage
|-
| {{party color cell|Republican Party (United States)}}
| [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 10,026
| style="text-align:center;" | 24.4%
|-
| {{party color cell|Democratic Party (United States)}}
| [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 13,995
| style="text-align:center;" | 34.1%
|-
| {{party color cell|Independent Party (United States)}}
| [[Independent voter|Unaffiliated]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 16,374
| style="text-align:center;" | 39.9%
|-
| {{party color cell|Independent Party (United States)}}
| Minor parties
| style="text-align:center;"| 687
| style="text-align:center;" | 1.7%
|-
! colspan = 2 | Total
! style="text-align:center;"| 41,082
! style="text-align:center;"| 100%
|}
==Recreation==
==Economy==
In May 2012, [[Moody's Investors Service]] revised the Town of Fairfield's $192 million [[general obligation bond]] debt from negative to stable.<ref>[https://www.moodys.com/credit-ratings/Fairfield-Town-of-CT-credit-rating-600039762 Fairfield (Town of) CT Credit Rating – Moody's]. Moodys.com. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref> In June 2012, Moody's awarded Fairfield with an [[Moody's Aaa Bond|AAA bond]] rating, which it maintains to this date.{{When|date=August 2017}}
Fairfield residents enjoy a wealth of recreational opportunities, many of which stem from Fairfield's enviable location on the Long Island Sound.
* The town's five miles of Long Island Sound coastline include 5 town beaches which are staffed by lifeguards during the summer, and miles of privately owned beach which are open to the public below the high tide mark.
* South Benson Marina is a town-owned facility providing 600 boat slips which residents can rent for the summer.<ref>Prevost, Lisa (July 3, 2005)."LIVING IN/The Fairfield, Conn., Beach Area; A Beach Community in an Awkward Transition, ''The New York Times''"</ref>
* Lake Mohegan, which includes waterfalls called The Cascades, is in the middle of town and is a popular destination for hiking, as is the Fairfield Audubon Society on Burr Street and the Bird Sancutary on Unquowa Road.
* Ye Yacht Yard, a town owned facility on picturesque Southport Harbor provides boat launch services to residents, and access to moorings in Southport Harbor. Ye Yacht Yard is also the location of Community Sailing of Fairfield, whose members share use of two 18-foot sailboats.
==Transportation==
===Taxes===
In 2005, the [[mill rate]] of Fairfield was 16.67.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://touch.courant.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-5529031/|title=Hartford Courant|website=touch.Courant.com|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> The 2012–2013 taxes in Fairfield rose 4% to a mill rate of 23.37.<ref>Mazzola, Caitlin. (May 10, 2012) [http://fairfield.patch.com/articles/fairfield-fy13-mill-rate-set-at-23-37-mills-4-tax-increase Fairfield FY13 Mill Rate Set at 23.37 Mills: 4% Tax Increase – Government – Fairfield, CT Patch]. Fairfield.patch.com. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref> The 2013–2014 mill rate which went into effect on July 1 for fiscal year 2013–2014 also increased by 2.38% to 23.93.<ref>[http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Final-2013-14-tax-rate-set-with-2-4-increase-4501702.php Final 2013–14 tax rate set with 2.4% increase – Fairfield Citizen]. FairfieldCitizenOnline.com (May 9, 2013). Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>
Fairfield is traversed by [[U.S. Route 1 in Connecticut|U.S. 1]], [[Interstate 95 in Connecticut|Interstate 95]], and the [[Merritt Parkway]]. It has two [[Metro North|Metro-North Railroad]] stations, [[Fairfield (Metro-North station)|Fairfield station]] and [[Southport (Metro-North station)|Southport station]]. A third station may some day be constructed near the Grasmere neighborhood and adjacent Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport along with a massive and controversial commercial development known as [[Fairfield Metro Center]]. It is served by several public bus lines of the [[Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority]].
===Large and distinctive companies===
==Demographics==
As of the [[census]]{{GR|2}} of 2000, there are 57,340 people in the town, organized into 20,397 households and 14,808 families. The [[population density]] is 1,909.3 people per square mile (737.2/km²). There are 21,029 housing units at an average density of 700.2/sq mi (270.4/km²). The racial makeup of the town is 95.27% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.04% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 1.09% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.06% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.03% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.55% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 0.97% from two or more races. 2.34% of the population are [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race.
* R.C. Bigelow ([[Bigelow Tea Company]]) – headquarters, Black Rock Turnpike
There are 20,397 households out of which 33.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.8% are [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 8.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.4% are non-families. 22.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.3% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.61 and the average family size is 3.07.
* [[Sturm, Ruger]] & Co. – headquarters, Lacey Place in Southport, firearms manufacturer
* [[Fairfield University]] – 1073 North Benson Road (5000 students and more than 500 academic employees plus additional administrators and staff)
* [[Sacred Heart University]] – New England's second largest [[Roman Catholic]] university
==Points of interest==
In the town the population is spread out with 23.7% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 90.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 85.7 males.
[[File:Fairfield Beach Connecticut Postcard c 1921.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Fairfield Beach, in a 1921 postcard]]
[[File:1934 Postcard showing Post Road in Fairfield, Connecticut.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Post Road, in Fairfield Center, in a 1934 photo]]
[[File:Postcard of Fairfield, Connecticut c 1938 showing corner of Post Road and Old Post Road.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Fairfield Community Theater, building shown on the right in this 1938 postcard, is now operated by Sacred Heart University]]
=== Historic sites ===
The median income for a household in the city is $83,512, and the median income for a family is $100,920. Males have a median income of $69,525 versus $44,837 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city is $43,670. 2.9% of the population and 1.8% of families are below the [[poverty line]]. Out of the total population, 2.8% of those under the age of 18 and 3.6% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
* [[Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary]] – 314 Unquowa Road (added 1982)
Fairfield is notable for, among other things, its very low crime rate. There have been only three murders in the last five years in town. Money Magazine's 2006 Best Places to Live Survey ranks Fairfield as the second safest municipality in the United States. [http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/top25s/safest.html]
* [[Fairfield Historic District (Fairfield, Connecticut)|Fairfield Historic District]] – Old Post Road from Post Road to Turney Road (added 1971). This is the old town center of Fairfield, roughly along Old Post Road between [[U.S. Route 1 (Connecticut)|U.S. Route 1]] and Turney Road. The area contains Fairfield's town hall, public library, and houses dating from the late 18th century.
* [[Fairfield Railroad Stations]] – Carter Henry Drive (added 1989)
* [[Greenfield Hill Historic District]] – Roughly bounded by Meeting House Lane, Hillside Road, Verna Hill Road and Bronson Road (added 1971)
* [[Pine Creek Park Bridge]] – North of Old Dam Road, over Pine Circle (added 1992)
* [[Southport Historic District (Fairfield, Connecticut)|Southport Historic District]] – Roughly bounded by Southport Harbor, railroad tracks, Old South Road, and Rose Hill Road (added 1971)
* [[Southport Railroad Stations]] – 96 Station St. and 100 Center St. (added 1989)
===Arts, entertainment, and sports===
{| class=wikitable
* The [[Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts]] on the campus of [[Fairfield University]] opened in 1990. Its schedule of events includes popular and classical music, dance, theatre, programs for young audiences, and the Open VISIONS Forum<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fairfield.edu/arts/index.html|title=Quick Center 2017|first=Fairfield|last=University|website=www.Fairfield.edu|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> lecture series which feature opinion-makers, artists, authors, political commentators, and contributors to the humanities and sciences. The Quick Center<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fairfield.edu/arts/qc_index.html|title=The Quick Center|website=Fairfield.edu|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208111611/http://www.fairfield.edu/arts/qc_index.html|archive-date=February 8, 2013}}</ref> houses the 740-seat Kelley Theatre, the 150-seat Lawrence A. Wien Experimental Theatre, and the Thomas J. Walsh Jr. Art Gallery. The Quick Center has become known as one of the finest concert halls in the country and was recognized as the "cultural epicenter of Fairfield County" by ''Westport Magazine''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westportmag.com/|title=Westport Magazine|website=iLoveFC.com|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
! colspan = 6 | Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of October 25, 2005<ref>{{cite web|title = Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of October 25, 2005 | publisher = Connecticut Secretary of State | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-10-02 | url = http://www.sots.ct.gov/ElectionsServices/lists/2005OctRegEnrollStats.pdf}}</ref>
* The PepsiCo Theatre, a renovated 1922 carriage house on the campus of Fairfield University, is the home to the theatre program of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and Theater Fairfield,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fairfield.edu/x5487.html|title=Theater Fairfield|website=Fairfield.edu|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930182450/http://www.fairfield.edu/x5487.html|archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref> the resident production company of the university. The PepsiCo Theatre also hosts experimental productions by students, faculty and local professionals.
* The [[Bellarmine Museum of Art]] on the campus of Fairfield University hosts shows by regional artists and touring exhibitions as well as a permanent collection.
* The [[Sacred Heart University Community Theatre|Community Theatre]] in downtown Fairfield was acquired, renovated, and reopened by Sacred Heart University in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sacredheart.edu/news-room/news-listing/university-to-lease-renovated-fairfield-community-theater/ |title = University to Lease Renovated Fairfield Community Theater| date=May 28, 2019 }}</ref> Originally built in 1920 as a [[vaudeville]] venue, it is Fairfield's oldest and last remaining cinema.<ref>{{Cite web |title=history |url=https://www.shucommunitytheatre.org/history |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=SHUCommunityTheatre |language=en}}</ref>
* The Fairfield Theater Company operates an auditorium located near the downtown Fairfield train station.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fairfieldtheatre.org |title = Fairfield Theater Company}}</ref>
* The Gazebo on Sherman Town Green is home to free concerts during the summer in the afternoon hours.
* [[Pequot Library]], known for programming and rare books
* [[WSHU-FM]] Public Radio, operated by Sacred Heart University
* [[WVOF]], student-run radio at Fairfield University
* Fairfield University hosts collegiate athletic competitions open to the public including basketball, baseball, cross-country, field hockey, lacrosse, rowing, soccer, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.
Fairfield residents enjoy a wealth of recreational opportunities, many of which stem from Fairfield's enviable location on the Long Island Sound.
* The town's {{convert|5|mi|km|0}} of Long Island Sound coastline include five town beaches which are staffed by lifeguards during the summer, and miles of privately owned beach which are open to the public below the high tide mark.
* South Benson Marina is a town-owned facility providing 600 boat slips which residents can rent for the summer.<ref name="Prevost"/>
* Lake Mohegan, which includes waterfalls called The Cascades, is a popular destination for hiking, as are the Fairfield Audubon Society<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ctaudubon.org/center-at-fairfield/|title=Center at Fairfield – Connecticut Audubon Society|website=www.CtAudubon.org|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> and the Bird Sanctuary.
* Ye Yacht Yard, a town-owned facility on Southport Harbor, provides boat launch services to residents, and access to moorings in Southport Harbor. Ye Yacht Yard is also the location of Community Sailing of Fairfield, whose members share use of two 18-foot sailboats.
* The "SportsPlex" is located in downtown Fairfield and offers athletic activities such as [[ice skating]], [[indoor climbing]], [[indoor soccer]] and [[gymnastics]].
===Other points of interest===
* [[File:Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Road, Southport (Fairfield County, Connecticut).jpg|thumb|320x320px|Southport's historic [[Pequot Library]]]][[Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield]] (separate from the Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary) – {{convert|6|mi|km|0}} of boardwalk nature trails in a wildlife sanctuary of {{convert|160|acre|km2|sigfig=2}} with a nature center
* [[Fairfield Museum and History Center]] – displays on local history, art and decorative arts, and a library on local history
* Gallery of Contemporary Art at [[Sacred Heart University]] – holds five exhibitions each year
* [[Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts]] at Fairfield University
* [[Pequot Library]]-- exhibitions on local history, rare books, in a landmark building
==Government==
[[File:FAIRFIELD TOWN HALL, FAIRFIELD, CT.jpg|thumb|Fairfield's town hall]]
The town government consists of the three-member Board of Selectmen, a [[Representative Town Meeting]] (RTM), a Board of Finance, a Board of Education, a Town Planning and Zoning Commission (TPZ), and many other politically appointed commissions, boards, and committees. The current First Selectman is Bill Gerber ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fairfieldct.org/electedofficials.htm|title=Elected Officials, Town of Fairfield, Connecticut|website=FairfieldCt.org|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831115611/http://fairfieldct.org/electedofficials.htm|archive-date=August 31, 2013}}</ref>
=== Makeup of notable governmental bodies ===
''As of November 27, 2023''
==== Board of Selectmen ====
''[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] controlled 2–1<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Registrars of Voters - Town of Fairfield, Connecticut|url=https://fairfieldct.org/vote|access-date=November 4, 2021|website=fairfieldct.org}}</ref>''
[[Image:Penfield Reef Light.jpg|thumb|Penfield Reef Lighthouse is located in the Long Island Sound off the coast of Fairfield Beach]]
==Famous residents, past and present==
{{Refimprovesect|date=April 2008}}
==== Representative Town Meeting ====
*[[William Beardsley]], early settler and magistrate
''[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] Supermajority 31–9<ref name=":0" />''
*[[William Burnett Benton]], former U.S. Senator
{| class="wikitable"
*[[Leonard Bernstein]], conductor, composer, musician<ref>Dixon, Ken, "Music Hall of Fame proposed for state ", article in ''Connecticut Post'' in Bridgeport, Connecticut, [[April 26]], [[2007]] ("Leonard Bernstein, a longtime Fairfield resident")</ref>
|+Fairfield RTM Members, 2023–2025
*[[James Blake]], professional tennis player
!District #
*[[Aaron Burr, Sr.]], native, clergyman, educator, and father of Vice President [[Aaron Burr]]
!Democratic
*[[John Byrne]], legendary Comic Book creator.
!Republican
|-
|1
|0
|4
|-
|2
|2
|2
|-
|3
|3
|1
|-
|4
|4
|0
|-
|5
|4
|0
|-
|6
|4
|0
|-
|7
|4
|0
|-
|8
|2
*[[Imogene Coca]], actress in ''[[Your Show of Shows]]''
|2
*[[Susan Cooper]], author of the acclaimed children's sequence ''[[The Dark Is Rising]]''.
|-
*[[Hume Cronyn]], actor
|9
*[[Michael J. Daly]], World War II Medal of Honor recipient
|4
*[[T. F. Gilroy Daly]], attorney and Federal judge
|0
*[[David L. Downie]], author and professor of politics and environment policy at [[Fairfield University]]
|-
*[[Keir Dullea]], actor<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/08/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/08ctpeople.html?ex=1333944000&en=97d47145b5c9844f&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink After 50 Years in Acting, Fully Relaxed in His Craft, New York Times Web page, ''[[The New York Times]]'', [[April 8]], [[2007]], accessed [[May 21]], [[2008]]]</ref>
|10
*[[Dick Durrell]], a founder of [[People Magazine]]
|4
*[[Timothy Dwight IV]], American Congregationalist minister, theologian, educator, and author; president of Yale College
|0
*[[Chris Frantz]] and [[Tina Weymouth]], founding members of [[Talking Heads]] and [[Tom Tom Club]]
|-
* Pierce J. Gerety Jr., native, [[UNHCR]] Director of Operations for the [[Great Lakes Region of Africa]], died in the 1998 crash of [[Swissair Flight 111]]
|Totals:
*[[J. J. Henry]], PGA golfer, 2006 Ryder Cup team member, and a native
|31
*[[Faith Hill]] and [[Tim McGraw]] have a country house in Southport.
|9
*[[Jeffrey Immelt]], CEO of General Electric
|}
*[[Don Imus]], radio personality, past resident in Southport
*[[Eliot A. Jardines]], Assistant Deputy Director of National Intelligence for [[Open source intelligence]]
*[[Linda Kozlowski]], actress and a native
*[[David LaChapelle]], born in Fairfield, CT: a famous, renowned photographer and director
*[[Charles Lindbergh]], aviator and former resident (circa 1940-45)
*[[Matt Morgan (wrestler)|Matt Morgan]], professional wrestler, American Gladiator and actor
* David N. Mullany, inventor of the [[Wiffleball]]
*[[Joe Namath]], [[New York Jets]] quarterback and sport commentator, past resident
*[[Charles Nagy]] Former [[MLB]] Baseball Pitcher
*[[Patrick O'Boyle]], international speed skater
*[[Henry Fairfield Osborn]], late scientist, eugenicist and a native
*[[John Osterlind]], radio personality, native
*[[Reza Pahlavi]], former Crown Prince of Iran, former resident (purchased Stewart McKinney's home when the Congressman moved to Westport)
*[[Jason Robards]], actor
*[[Richard Rodgers]], composer
*[[Meg Ryan]], actress and a native
*[[Gold Selleck Silliman]], Revolutionary War general
*[[Martha Stewart]], business magnate, author, editor, and homemaking advocate, past resident
*[[Brian Torff]], jazz musician, composer, head of Fairfield University's music program
*[[Raviv Ullman]], star of ''[[Phil of the Future]]''
*[[Franco Ventriglia]], opera singer and a native
*[[Robert Penn Warren]], author and poet<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/books/97/03/09/reviews/warren-obituary.html?_r=1&oref=slogin Robert Penn Warren, Poet and Author, Dies], obituary article, no byline noted on New York Times Web page, ''[[The New York Times]]'', [[September 16]], [[1989]], page 1, accessed [[February 6]], [[2007]]</ref>
*[[Michael Weatherly]], actor and a native
*[[Jack Welch]], former CEO of General Electric, former town resident
*[[Mabel Osgood Wright]], author, founder of the Connecticut Audubon Society (Birdcraft Museum in Fairfield)
==MoviesfilmedinFairfield==
==== Board of Finance ====
''[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] Controlled 5–4<ref name=":0" />''
|+Fairfield BoF Members, as of 2021<ref>{{Cite web|title=Members - Town of Fairfield, Connecticut|url=https://www.fairfieldct.org/bof/members|access-date=November 4, 2021|website=www.fairfieldct.org}}</ref>
*More Than Skin Deep (2002)
!Member
*Racewalk (2000)
!Term
*Robbie the Rabbit (1998)
|-
*[[The Stepford Wives (1975 film)]]
|Craig Curley (D)
*Man On A Swing (1974) [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071806/]
|2021–2027
|-
|Lori Charlton (D)
|2019–2025
|-
|Christopher DeWitt (R)
|2017–2023
|-
|Kevin Starke (D)
|2021–2023*
|-
|Mary LeClerc (R)
|2019–2025
|-
|Sheila Marmion (D)
|2021–2027
|-
|John Mitola (D)
|2017–2023
|-
|Jack Testani (R)
|2019–2025
|-
|James Walsh (R)
|2021–2027
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>Special Election held in 2021 to replace the seat left vacant by Ed Bateson on 5/17/21
==== Board of education ====
==References==
''[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] Controlled 5–4''
{{reflist}}
{| class="wikitable"
|+Fairfield BoE Members, as of 2021<ref>{{Cite web|title=Members - Town of Fairfield, Connecticut|url=https://www.fairfieldct.org/boe/members|access-date=November 4, 2021|website=www.fairfieldct.org}}</ref>
!Member
!Term
|-
|Jeffery Peterson (R)
|2021–2025
|-
|Jennifer Jacobsen (D)
|2021–2025
|-
|Carol Guernsey (D)
|2021–2025
|-
|Nicholas Aysseh (R)
|2021–2025
|-
|Christine Vitale (D)
|2019–2023
|-
|Bonnie Rotelli (R)
|2019–2023
|-
|Crissy Kelly (R)
|2019–2023
|-
|Jessica Gerber (D)
|2019–2023
|-
|Jennifer Maxon-Kennelly (D)
|2019–2023
|}
The town has no criminal or civil court system, and all trials are handled by the [[Bridgeport]] Superior Court system. However, the town does also offer access to a [[Juvenile Review Board]] (JRB) for certain juvenile cases outlined by the Fairfield Police Department.
Fairfield is represented in the Connecticut General Assembly by one [[Republican Party (US)|Republican]], Sen. [[Tony Hwang]], and three [[Democratic Party (US)|Democrats]], Rep. [[Cristin McCarthy Vahey]], Rep. [[Jennifer Leeper]], and Rep. [[Sarah Keitt]].<ref name=":0"/>
==External links==
*[http://www.fairfieldct.org/ Town website]
*[http://www.fairfieldctchamber.com/ Fairfield Chamber of Commerce]
*[http://www.fairfieldhistoricalsociety.org/ Fairfield Museum and History Center]
*[http://www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/ Fairfield Public Library]
*[http://www.8towns.com/index_inside.php Fairfield CT Business Directory]
*[http://www.coastalct.com/ Coastal Fairfield County Convention & Visitor Bureau]
*[http://imdb.com/List?endings=on&&locations=Fairfield,+Connecticut,+USA Internet Movie Database page for Fairfield, Connecticut]
==Emergency services==
{{Mapit-US-cityscale|41.18153|-73.29029}}
===Police Department===
{{Connecticut}}
The Fairfield Police Department was created in 1926, approximately 287 years after the town was founded.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fpdct.com/history.htm|title=Error – Not Found or Private – Fairfield Police Department|website=www.FPDCt.com|access-date=August 25, 2017|archive-date=February 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212013758/http://www.fpdct.com/history.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Fire Department===
The town of Fairfield is protected by the 95 career firefighters of the Fairfield Fire Department (FFD), and volunteer firefighters of the Southport Volunteer Fire Department and Stratfield Volunteer Fire Department. The career Fairfield Fire Department operates five fire stations, located throughout the town, and uses a fire apparatus fleet of five engine companies, one ladder company, one rescue company, three fireboats, and 1 Shift Commander's Unit, as well as many special support, and reserve units.<ref>[http://fdfairfield.com/departme.htm Operations]. Fdfairfield.com. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref> The Southport Volunteer Fire Department has served the community since 1895.<ref>[http://southportfire.org/abbreviated_history.php Southport Volunteer Fire Department] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413125731/http://southportfire.org/abbreviated_history.php |date=April 13, 2014 }}. southportfire.org Retrieved on April 10, 2014.</ref> The Stratfield Volunteer Fire Department has several stations and has served the community since 1920.<ref>[http://www.rescue15.com/index2.html Stratfield Volunteer Fire Department]. Rescue15.com (May 21, 2011). Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>
==Education==
[[File:Fairfield Entrance.JPG|thumb|250px|right|Main entrance to [[Fairfield University]]]]
{{Main|Education in Fairfield, Connecticut}}
Fairfield has two [[High school (North America)|public high schools]], [[Fairfield Warde High School|Fairfield Warde]] and [[Fairfield Ludlowe High School|Fairfield Ludlowe]]; three public middle schools, [[Roger Ludlowe Middle School|Roger Ludlowe]], Tomlinson, and [[Fairfield Woods Middle School]]; and eleven public elementary schools.<ref>[http://sdeportal.ct.gov/Cedar/WEB/ct_report/CedarHome.aspx State Department of Education – CEDaR]. Sdeportal.ct.gov. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>
Fairfield has several Catholic schools, including two high schools, [[Fairfield College Preparatory School|Fairfield Prep]] and [[Notre Dame Catholic High School (Connecticut)|Notre Dame]], and two primary schools, St. Thomas Aquinas and Our Lady of the Assumption. A third Catholic primary school, Holy Family, was closed by the [[Diocese of Bridgeport]] at the end of the 2009–2010 academic year.
Non-religious private schools include [[Fairfield Country Day School]] and the [[Unquowa School]].
Fairfield is also home to two post-secondary institutions, [[Fairfield University]] and [[Sacred Heart University]].
[[File:Fairfield station from southbound train (2), July 2019.JPG|thumb|The [[Fairfield station (Metro-North)|Fairfield Metro-North station]] platform, tracks, and overpass]]
Fairfield is traversed by [[U.S. Route 1 in Connecticut|U.S. 1]], [[Interstate 95 in Connecticut|Interstate 95]], and the [[Merritt Parkway]]. It has three [[Metro-North Railroad]] stations, [[Fairfield–Black Rock station|Fairfield–Black Rock]], [[Fairfield (Metro-North station)|Fairfield]] and [[Southport station (Metro-North)|Southport]]. The town is served by several public bus lines of the [[Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority]].
==Places of worship==
* St. Anthony of Padua Church<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stanthonyffld.org|title=Welcome|website=StAnthonyFfld.org|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* Greenfield Hill Congregational Church<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greenfieldhillchurch.com/|title=Greenfield Hill Congregational Church – A Historic Church With A Modern Ministry|website=www.GreenfieldHillChurch.com|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> – [[Congregational church|Congregational Church]]
* First Church [[Congregational]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstchurchfairfield.org/|title=An Open & Affirming Church in Fairfield, CT – First Church Fairfield|website=www.FirstChurchFairfield.org|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> – [[United Church of Christ|UCC]]
* Fairfield Grace United Methodist Church<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fairfieldgrace.org/|title=Fairfield Grace – Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors|website=FairfieldGrace.org|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> – [[United Methodist Church]]
* [[Black Rock Congregational Church]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brcc.org/|title=Black Rock Church|website=www.BRCC.org|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> – [[non-denominational]] [[evangelical]]
* Our Saviour's Lutheran Church<ref>{{cite web|url=http://oursaviours.net/|title=Welcome to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church – Our Saviour's Lutheran Church|website=OurSaviours.net|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> – [[Lutheran Church]] [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America|(ELCA)]]
* First Presbyterian Church of Fairfield<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpresby.net/|title=First Presbyterian Church of Fairfield|website=www.FirstPresby.net|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> – [[Presbyterian Church]]
* Holy Cross [[Roman Catholic Church]]
* Our Lady of the Assumption<ref>{{cite web|url=http://assumption-fairfield.org/default.aspx|title=Our Lady of the Assumption|website=Assumption-Fairfield.org|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921080631/http://assumption-fairfield.org/default.aspx|archive-date=September 21, 2010}}</ref>
* St. Pius X Church<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.st-pius.org/|title=St. Pius X of Fairfield – An open, inviting Roman Catholic Family of Faith|website=St. Pius X of Fairfield, CT|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* St. Thomas [[Roman Catholic Church]]
* Chabad of Fairfield<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chabadff.com/|title=Chabad of Fairfield|website=www.chabadff.com|access-date=December 5, 2018}}</ref>
==Notable people==<!--consensus reached to standardize this heading per WP:WikiProject Cities/US Guideline -->
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2010}}
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[[File:Leonard Bernstein in his studio at his home, Fairfield, CT 1988.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Leonard Bernstein in his Fairfield home studio, {{circa|1988}}]]
* [[William Burnett Benton]] (1900–1973), former U.S. senator<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=B000399|title=Benton, William – Biographical Information|website=bioguide.Congress.gov|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* [[Leonard Bernstein]] (1918–1990), conductor, composer, musician<ref>Dixon, Ken (April 26, 2007). "Music Hall of Fame proposed for state". ''[[Connecticut Post]]''. "Leonard Bernstein, a longtime Fairfield resident".</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/09/arts/music/09bern.html | work=The New York Times | title=Bernstein's Workroom Will Head to Indiana | date=March 9, 2009 | access-date=June 28, 2013}}</ref>
* [[James Blake (tennis)|James Blake]] (born 1979), professional tennis player<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.netglimse.com/celebs/pages/james_blake/index.shtml|title=James Blake bio|website=NetGlimse.com|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508121502/http://www.netglimse.com/celebs/pages/james_blake/index.shtml|archive-date=May 8, 2009}}</ref>
* [[Julius Boros]] (1920–1994), professional golfer, winner of 18 PGA tour events including the 1952 and 1963 [[U.S. Open (golf)|U.S. Open]] and 1968 [[PGA Championship]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110513023937/http://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org/hof/member.php?member=1026 World Golf Hall of Fame Member Profile]. WorldGolfHallOfFame.org. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>
* [[Aaron Burr Sr.]] (1716–1757), native, clergyman, educator, and father of Vice President [[Aaron Burr]]
* [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]] (born 1950) comic book artist and author<ref>[http://www.byrnerobotics.com/FAQ/listing.asp?ID=1&T1=Who+Is+John+Byrne%3F FAQ]. Byrne Robotics. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>
* [[Ann Shaw Carter]] (1922–2005) first woman to be a commercial helicopter pilot<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.wingsacrossamerica.us/web/carter_ann_2.htm |title=A True Pioneer: WASP Ann Shaw Carter (44-W-10) aka Whirly Girl #2 |author=Erin Lynch |journal=Fairfield Citizen-News |date=September 28, 2005 |access-date=December 26, 2020}}</ref>
* [[Kenton Clarke]] (born 1951), CEO, trumpet player, Buglers Hall of Fame and Drum Corps Hall of Fame
* [[Susan Cooper]] (born 1935) author of children's sequence ''[[The Dark Is Rising]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Susan-Cooper/706255/biography |title=Susan Cooper |access-date=February 5, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100721015223/http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Susan-Cooper/706255/biography |archive-date=July 21, 2010 }}</ref>
* [[Michael J. Daly]] (1924–2008), World War II Medal of Honor recipient
* [[T. F. Gilroy Daly]], attorney and federal judge, born in Fairfield<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/12/nyregion/t-f-gilroy-daly-65-us-judge-is-dead.html | work=The New York Times | title=T. F. Gilroy Daly, 65, U.S. Judge, Is Dead | first=Lynette | last=Holloway | date=July 12, 1996 | access-date=May 2, 2010}}</ref>
* [[C. Douglas Dillon]], Secretary of US Treasury, ambassador to France, lived in Fairfield {{circa|2002–2003}}
* [[David L. Downie]], author and professor of politics and environment policy at [[Fairfield University]]
* [[Keir Dullea]], actor, ''[[2001: A Space Odyssey (film)|2001: A Space Odyssey]]''<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/08/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/08ctpeople.html?ex=1333944000&en=97d47145b5c9844f&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink "After 50 Years in Acting, Fully Relaxed in His Craft"]. ''The New York Times''. April 8, 2007.</ref>
* [[Dick Durrell]] (1925–2008), founder of ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' magazine, adjunct professor at [[Sacred Heart University]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rlauterborn.com/cgi-sys/suspendedpage.cgi|title=Account Suspended|website=www.rlauterborn.com}}</ref>
* [[Timothy Dwight IV]] (1752–1817), Congregationalist minister, author, president of Yale College; pastor for 12 years at Greenfield Hill Church<ref>[http://web.me.com/greenfieldhillchurch/Site/GHCC_History.html iCloud]. Web.me.com. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>
* [[Margaret Morrison]], granddaughter of [[Andrew Carnegie]]
* [[Chris Frantz]] and [[Tina Weymouth]], founding members of [[Talking Heads]] and [[Tom Tom Club]]<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.mofflymedia.com/Moffly-Publications/Westport-Magazine/August-2007/Rock-Royalty/ |title=Rock Royalty |magazine=Westport Magazine |date=August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513023706/http://www.mofflymedia.com/Moffly-Publications/Westport-Magazine/August-2007/Rock-Royalty/ |archive-date=May 13, 2011}}</ref>
* [[Robert Greenberger]] (born 1958), writer, editor and Fairfield politician<ref>Canuel, Greg. [http://www.thedailyfairfield.com/news/fairfield-candidates-qa-bob-greenberger "Fairfield Candidates' Q&A: Bob Greenberger"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825232858/http://www.thedailyfairfield.com/news/fairfield-candidates-qa-bob-greenberger |date=August 25, 2017 }}. ''The Daily Fairfield''. September 28, 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.crazy8press.com/the-inmates/robert-greenberger/ "Robert Greenberger"]. Crazy 8 Press. accessed October 13, 2011.</ref>
* [[J. J. Henry]], PGA golfer, 2006 Ryder Cup team member<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pgatour.com/players/02/33/53/ |website=www.pgatour.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126140702/http://www.pgatour.com/players/02/33/53/ |archive-date=November 26, 2011|title=J.J. Henry}}</ref>
* [[Paul Hogan]], aka "Crocodile Dundee", actor, lived many years in Fairfield with wife Linda Kozlowski
* [[Don Imus]], radio personality, past resident in Southport<ref name="Radomsky">{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/11/realestate/if-you-re-thinking-of-living-in-southport.html?pagewanted=1 | work=The New York Times | title=If You're Thinking of Living in: Southport | first=Rosalie R. | last=Radomsky | date=October 11, 1992 | access-date=May 2, 2010}}</ref>
* [[Eliot A. Jardines]], Assistant Deputy Director of National Intelligence for [[Open source intelligence]]
* [[Pat Jordan (author)|Pat Jordan]], sportswriter and acclaimed author of ''A False Spring'', ranked #37 on ''[[Sports Illustrated]]''{{'s}} Top 100 Sports Books of All Time
* [[Linda Kozlowski]], actress, born in Fairfield<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0468957/|title=Linda Kozlowski|website=IMDb|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* [[David LaChapelle]], born in Fairfield, photographer and director<ref>{{cite magazine |last=von Speidel |first=Krystian |date=July 19, 2011 |url=http://bombmagazine.org/article/5714/ |title=David LaChapelle Krystian von Speidel |magazine=[[Bomb (magazine)|Bomb]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121011821/http://bombmagazine.org/article/5714/ |archive-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref>
* [[Jonathan Lewis (oncologist)|Jonathan Lewis]], biomedical researcher, cancer drug developer
* [[Pauline Bradford Mackie]] (1873–1956), writer of historical fiction
* [[Florence Lewis May]], art historian
* [[John Mayer (musician)|John Mayer]], Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1012082,00.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320004212/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1012082,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 20, 2008 | title=John Mayer Bounced from His Alma Mater | website=[[People (magazine)|People]] | author=Stephen M. Silverman | date=December 27, 2004 | access-date=November 9, 2010}}</ref>
* [[Bradley B. Meeker]], Minnesota Territorial Supreme Court justice<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mn.gov/lawlib/judgebio.html#meeker|title=Minnesota State Law Library-Bradley B. Meeker|website=MN.gov|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140105045051/http://mn.gov/lawlib/judgebio.html#meeker|archive-date=January 5, 2014}}</ref>
* [[Brian Monahan]], US Navy rear admiral and [[Attending Physician of the United States Congress]]<ref>[http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=514 Leadership Biographies]. Navy.mil (October 19, 2010). Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>
* [[Matt Morgan (wrestler)|Matt Morgan]], professional wrestler, American Gladiator and actor<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/matt-morgan.html|title=Matt Morgan|website=OnlineWorldOfWrestling.com|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* [[Anne M. Mulcahy]], chairman, Xerox Corporation
* [[Charles Nagy]], former [[MLB]] pitcher for [[Cleveland Indians]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fairfieldcountysports.com/hall_of_fame_members/nagy.html |title=Charlie Nagy |access-date=March 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710220126/http://www.fairfieldcountysports.com/hall_of_fame_members/nagy.html |archive-date=July 10, 2011 }}</ref>
* [[Joe Namath]], [[New York Jets]] quarterback, [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Famer]], past resident
* [[Dan Remmes]], actor/writer, book writer of [[Grumpy Old Men (musical)|Grumpy Old Men: The Musical]]
* [[Jason Robards]], actor, lived in Southport<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/27/arts/27ROBA.html?pagewanted=all |work=The New York Times |title=Jason Robards, Actor Who Elevated O'Neill, Dies at 78 |date=December 27, 2000 |access-date=May 2, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524220226/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/27/arts/27ROBA.html?pagewanted=all |archive-date=May 24, 2013 }}</ref>
* [[Richard Rodgers]], composer of more than 900 songs and 43 Broadway musicals, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Rodgers and Hart<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/24/magazine/the-lady-is-a-champ.html | work=[[The New York Times Magazine]] | title=The Lady Is A Champ | date=March 24, 2002 | access-date=June 28, 2013}}</ref>
* [[Philip Rubin]], CEO emeritus of [[Haskins Laboratories]] and a former [[White House]] science adviser
* [[Meg Ryan]], actress, ''[[Sleepless in Seattle]]'', ''[[When Harry Met Sally...]]'', born in Fairfield<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000212/bio|title=Meg Ryan|website=IMDb|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* [[Chris Sarandon]] and [[Joanna Gleason]], actors<ref>{{cite web |first=Leslie Chess |last=Feller |url=http://www.mofflymedia.com/Moffly-Publications/Westport-Magazine/December-2008/Beautiful-Life/ |title=Beautiful Life |work=Westport Magazine |date=December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302223852/http://www.mofflymedia.com/Moffly-Publications/Westport-Magazine/December-2008/Beautiful-Life/|archive-date=March 2, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Gold Selleck Silliman]], Revolutionary War general<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.connecticutsar.org/patriots/silliman_gold_selleck.htm|title=General Gold Selleck Silliman – Sons of the American Revolution, Connecticut|website=www.ConnecticutSAR.org|access-date=August 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623231029/http://www.connecticutsar.org/patriots/silliman_gold_selleck.htm|archive-date=June 23, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Samuel Smedley]], privateer in [[American Revolutionary War|Revolutionary War]]
* [[Howard Sosin]], founder of AIG Financial Products, presently investor
* [[Jonathan Sturges]], delegate to the [[Continental Congress]] and member of the [[United States House of Representatives]]<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url= http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=S001047|title=Sturges, Jonathan, (1740–1819) |dictionary= Biographical Directory of the United States Congress|access-date= December 30, 2012 }}</ref>
* [[Gene Tierney]], actress, ''[[Laura (1944 film)|Laura]]'', ''[[Leave Her to Heaven]]''; attended [[Unquowa School]] in Fairfield
* [[Lee Tilghman]], former wellness influencer<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thecut.com/2020/03/wellness-influencer-lee-from-americas-story.html|title=Lee's American Dream|last=Silman|first=Anna|date=March 10, 2020|work=[[The Cut (website)|The Cut]]|publisher=[[New York Media]]|access-date=April 12, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Brian Torff]], jazz musician, composer, head of [[Fairfield University]] music program
* [[Raviv Ullman]], star of ''[[Phil of the Future]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0880504/bio|title=Raviv Ullman|website=IMDb|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* [[Franco Ventriglia]], opera singer, Fairfield native
* [[Jeffrey P. von Arx]], president of [[Fairfield University]]
* [[Robert Penn Warren]], author and poet<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/books/97/03/09/reviews/warren-obituary.html?_r=1&oref=slogin "Robert Penn Warren, Poet and Author, Dies"]. ''The New York Times''. September 16, 1989. page 1. accessed February 6, 2007.</ref>
* [[Robert Waterman (sea captain)|Robert Waterman]], clipper ship captain who sailed to California and named [[Fairfield, California]] after this city
* [[Michael Weatherly]], actor, plays [[Anthony DiNozzo|Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo]] in series ''[[NCIS (TV series)|NCIS]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0915762/bio|title=Michael Weatherly|website=IMDb|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* [[Jack Welch]], former CEO of General Electric, former town resident<ref name="Radomsky"/>
* [[Bob Wright]], chairman of NBC for 20 years
* [[Mabel Osgood Wright]], author and founder of Connecticut Audubon Society (Birdcraft Museum in Fairfield)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cwhf.org/browse_hall/hall/people/wright.php|title=wright.php|website=CWHF.org|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100217011331/http://www.cwhf.org/browse_hall/hall/people/wright.php|archive-date=February 17, 2010}}</ref>
* [[Julie Benko]], actress; attended [[Fairfield Ludlowe High School]] in Fairfield <ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooke |first=Bruno |title=How old is Julie Benko? Age and career of Funny Girl's Fanny Brice |url=https://www.thefocus.news/celebrity/how-old-is-julie-benko-age-and-career-of-funny-girls-fanny-brice/ |access-date=January 21, 2022 |website=The Focus}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Morga |first=Adriana |date=May 2, 2022 |title=CT actress debuts in Broadway production of 'Funny Girl' as Beanie Feldstein's standby |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/entertainment/article/CT-Julie-Benko-funny-girl-broadway-17142191.php |access-date=January 21, 2022 |website=CT Insider}}</ref>
In 1635, Puritans and Congregationalists in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, were dissatisfied with the rate of Anglican reform, and sought to establish an ecclesiastical society subject to their own rules and regulations. The Massachusetts General Court granted them permission to settle in the towns of Windsor, Wethersfield, and Hartford which are now within a state known as Connecticut.
On January 14, 1639, a set of legal and administrative regulations called the Fundamental Orders was adopted and established Connecticut as a self-ruling entity. By 1639, these settlers had started new towns in the surrounding areas. Roger Ludlowe, framer of the Fundamental Orders, purchased the land called Unquowa (presently called Fairfield), and established the name. The name "Fairfield" is commendatory.[4]
According to historian John M. Taylor:
Early in 1639, the General Court granted a commission to Ludlowe to begin a plantation at Pequannocke. He was on that errand, with a few others from Windsor, afterwards joined by immigrants from Watertown and Concord. He stole a large tract of land from the Pequannocke sachems – afterwards greatly enlarged by other purchases to the westward – and recalling the attractive region beyond (Unquowa), which he had personally seen on the second Pequot expedition, he also "set down" there, having purchased the territory embraced by the present town of Fairfield.[5]
Fairfield was one of the two principal settlements of the Connecticut Colony in southwestern Connecticut (the other was Stratford). The town line with Stratford was set in May 1661 by John Banks, an early Fairfield settler, Richard Olmstead, and Lt. Joseph Judson, who were both appointed as a committee by the Colony of Connecticut.[6] The town line with Norwalk was not set until May 1685.[7]
Over time, several new towns broke off and incorporated separately. The following is a list of towns created from parts of Fairfield.
When the American Revolutionary War began in the 1770s, Fairfielders were caught in the crisis as much as, if not more than, the rest of their neighbors in Connecticut. In a predominantly Tory section of the colony, the people of Fairfield were early supporters of the cause for independence. Throughout the war, a constant battle was being fought across the Long Island Sound as Loyalists from British-controlled Long Island raided the coast in whaleboats and privateers. Gold Selleck Silliman, whose home still stands on Jennings Road, was put in charge of the coastal defenses.
In the spring of 1779, Silliman was kidnapped from his home by Loyalist raiders in preparation for a British raid on Fairfield County. His wife, Mary Silliman watched from their home as, on the morning of July 7, 1779, approximately 2,000 British troops landed on Fairfield Beach near Pine Creek Point; the force proceeded to burn Fairfield due to the town's support for Patriot cause. A decade later, President George Washington noted that after traveling through Fairfield that "the destructive evidence of British cruelty are [sic] yet visible both in Norwalk and Fairfield; as there are the chimneys of many burnt houses standing in them yet".[8]
The First World War brought Fairfield out of its agrarian past by triggering an unprecedented economic boom in Bridgeport, which was the center of a large munitions industry at the time. The prosperity accompanied a temporary housing shortage in the city, and many of the workers looked to Fairfield to build their homes. The trolley and later the automobile made the countryside accessible to these newly rich members of the middle class, who brought with them new habits, new attitudes, and new modes of dress. The prosperity lasted throughout the twenties.
By the time of the Wall Street Crash of 1929, the population had increased to 17,000 from the 6,000 it had been just before the war. Even during the Depression, the town kept expanding.
The grounding of a barge with two crewmen on Penfield Reef in Fairfield during a gale led to the 1st civilian helicopter hoist rescue in history, on November 29, 1945. The helicopter flew from the nearby Sikorsky Aircraft plant in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
The opening of the Connecticut Turnpike in the 1950s brought another wave of development to Fairfield, and by the 1960s the town's residential, suburban character was firmly established.
Fairfield became the home of the corporate headquarters of General Electric (GE), one of the world's largest companies, ca. 1970. On May 8, 2017, GE relocated to Boston, Massachusetts.
Postcard from 1932 showing bathers at Fairfield Beach
Historical Postcard of the Tide Mill Tavern, Southport
The town is on the shore of the Long Island Sound. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 31.3 square miles (81 km2), of which 30.0 square miles (78 km2) is land and 3.4 square kilometres (1.3 sq mi), or 4.15%, is water.
Fairfield consists of many neighborhoods. The best known are wealthy Southport, where General Electric Chief Executive Officer Jack Welch lived for many years, and Greenfield Hill, with its large green areas, famous dogwood trees, and picturesque green with its white-spired Congregational church. Other neighborhoods include Stratfield, Tunxis Hill, the University area, Grasmere, Mill Plain, Knapp's Village, Melville Village, Holland Hill, Murray, and the Fairfield Beach area, which has recently undergone a renaissance with the construction of many new homes by residents wishing to live in proximity to the beach and downtown.[9] This has resulted in steadily rising property prices.[citation needed] Two shopping districts in town include the Post Road (U.S. 1) and Black Rock Turnpike.
As of the census[11] of 2010, there were 59,404 people in the town, organized into 20,457 households and 14,846 families. The population density was 1,927 inhabitants per square mile (744/km2). There were 21,648 housing units at an average density of 703 per square mile (271/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 91.6% White, 3.7% Asian, 1.8% African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.2% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. 5.0% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 20,457 households, out of which 38.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.4% were non-families. 22.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.19.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 21.1% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.6 males.
The median household income (in 2013 dollars) was $117,705[12] (these figures had risen to $103,352 and $121,749 respectively as of a 2007 estimate[13]). Males had a median income of $69,525 versus $44,837 for females. The per capita income for the city was $55,733. 2.9% of the population and 1.8% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 2.8% of those under the age of 18 and 3.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
In 2005, the mill rate of Fairfield was 16.67.[19] The 2012–2013 taxes in Fairfield rose 4% to a mill rate of 23.37.[20] The 2013–2014 mill rate which went into effect on July 1 for fiscal year 2013–2014 also increased by 2.38% to 23.93.[21]
Fairfield Beach, in a 1921 postcardPost Road, in Fairfield Center, in a 1934 photo1910 postcard showing Fairfield LibraryFairfield Community Theater, building shown on the right in this 1938 postcard, is now operated by Sacred Heart University
Fairfield Historic District – Old Post Road from Post Road to Turney Road (added 1971). This is the old town center of Fairfield, roughly along Old Post Road between U.S. Route 1 and Turney Road. The area contains Fairfield's town hall, public library, and houses dating from the late 18th century.
The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on the campus of Fairfield University opened in 1990. Its schedule of events includes popular and classical music, dance, theatre, programs for young audiences, and the Open VISIONS Forum[22] lecture series which feature opinion-makers, artists, authors, political commentators, and contributors to the humanities and sciences. The Quick Center[23] houses the 740-seat Kelley Theatre, the 150-seat Lawrence A. Wien Experimental Theatre, and the Thomas J. Walsh Jr. Art Gallery. The Quick Center has become known as one of the finest concert halls in the country and was recognized as the "cultural epicenter of Fairfield County" by Westport Magazine.[24]
The PepsiCo Theatre, a renovated 1922 carriage house on the campus of Fairfield University, is the home to the theatre program of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and Theater Fairfield,[25] the resident production company of the university. The PepsiCo Theatre also hosts experimental productions by students, faculty and local professionals.
The Bellarmine Museum of Art on the campus of Fairfield University hosts shows by regional artists and touring exhibitions as well as a permanent collection.
The Community Theatre in downtown Fairfield was acquired, renovated, and reopened by Sacred Heart University in 2019.[26] Originally built in 1920 as a vaudeville venue, it is Fairfield's oldest and last remaining cinema.[27]
The Fairfield Theater Company operates an auditorium located near the downtown Fairfield train station.[28]
The Gazebo on Sherman Town Green is home to free concerts during the summer in the afternoon hours.
Fairfield University hosts collegiate athletic competitions open to the public including basketball, baseball, cross-country, field hockey, lacrosse, rowing, soccer, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.
Fairfield residents enjoy a wealth of recreational opportunities, many of which stem from Fairfield's enviable location on the Long Island Sound.
The town's 5 miles (8 km) of Long Island Sound coastline include five town beaches which are staffed by lifeguards during the summer, and miles of privately owned beach which are open to the public below the high tide mark.
South Benson Marina is a town-owned facility providing 600 boat slips which residents can rent for the summer.[9]
Lake Mohegan, which includes waterfalls called The Cascades, is a popular destination for hiking, as are the Fairfield Audubon Society[29] and the Bird Sanctuary.
Ye Yacht Yard, a town-owned facility on Southport Harbor, provides boat launch services to residents, and access to moorings in Southport Harbor. Ye Yacht Yard is also the location of Community Sailing of Fairfield, whose members share use of two 18-foot sailboats.
Southport's historic Pequot LibraryConnecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield (separate from the Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary) – 6 miles (10 km) of boardwalk nature trails in a wildlife sanctuary of 160 acres (0.65 km2) with a nature center
The town government consists of the three-member Board of Selectmen, a Representative Town Meeting (RTM), a Board of Finance, a Board of Education, a Town Planning and Zoning Commission (TPZ), and many other politically appointed commissions, boards, and committees. The current First Selectman is Bill Gerber (D).[30]
The town has no criminal or civil court system, and all trials are handled by the Bridgeport Superior Court system. However, the town does also offer access to a Juvenile Review Board (JRB) for certain juvenile cases outlined by the Fairfield Police Department.
The town of Fairfield is protected by the 95 career firefighters of the Fairfield Fire Department (FFD), and volunteer firefighters of the Southport Volunteer Fire Department and Stratfield Volunteer Fire Department. The career Fairfield Fire Department operates five fire stations, located throughout the town, and uses a fire apparatus fleet of five engine companies, one ladder company, one rescue company, three fireboats, and 1 Shift Commander's Unit, as well as many special support, and reserve units.[35] The Southport Volunteer Fire Department has served the community since 1895.[36] The Stratfield Volunteer Fire Department has several stations and has served the community since 1920.[37]
Fairfield has several Catholic schools, including two high schools, Fairfield Prep and Notre Dame, and two primary schools, St. Thomas Aquinas and Our Lady of the Assumption. A third Catholic primary school, Holy Family, was closed by the Diocese of Bridgeport at the end of the 2009–2010 academic year.
Postcard from 1932 showing bathers at Fairfield Beach
Historical Postcard of the Tide Mill Tavern, Southport
Fairfield's Burr Homestead in a 1938 photo
Pequot Library in Southport, 1966
Historical Woodcut from c. 1840 Showing Old Town Hall and Town Green
Trinity Church in Southport, 1966
Penfield Reef Lighthouse is located in Long Island Sound off the coast of Fairfield Beach
Bellarmine Hall at Fairfield University
The "1812 Sycamore" near Town Hall (cut down in 2013)
Historic Pequot Library, founded in 1887, Southport
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