FAIRFIELD, CT – Southport’s historic heritage and charming beauty is the focus of a walking tour set for Saturday, July 22 at 9:30 a.m. starting from the steps outside Pequot Library, a landmark building constructed in 1887.
The walking tour, sponsored by the Town of Fairfield Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee and the Fairfield Museum and History Center, is open to the first 30 adults who sign up in advance at the Museum’s website at http://www.fairfieldhistory.org/event/southport-walking-tour/
The walking tour is priced at $5 for museum members and $8 for non-members. The walking tour covers about 1.4 miles and will take approximately 90 minutes to complete. The rain date for the event is Sunday July 23 also starting at 9:30 a.m. As the history walk coincides with the library's annual summer book sale, there is limited parking at the building but additional space is available at nearby churches, along streets and at Southport train station.
“A walking tour gives people the combined pleasure of knowledge and insight plus fresh air and exercise as we stroll through a beautiful neighborhood a good number of folks simply drive through. Many are unaware of a significant history that dates back to 1639,” said Walter Matis, Program and Volunteer Coordinator for the Fairfield Museum, who will narrate the tour.
Located on the Long Island Sound between Mill River and Sasco Brook where it borders Westport, the Southport community is a former borough of the town of Fairfield. The earliest recorded event in Southport’s history was “The Great Swamp Fight” of 1637 where English colonial forces vanquished a group of Pequot Native Americans.
The tour will touch upon the Native American tribal history, the colonial period, the war of 1812, the golden era of the Southport Globe Onion boom, the implications of the arrival of the steamship, railroad and streetcar, notable residents and other topics. Starting from the lawn at the library, the guided walk and talk will proceed south down Westway Road to Harbor Road to Ye Yacht Yard, back along Harbor Road to Main Street, to Southport Center at Pequot Avenue and then back to the Pequot Library.
“To reduce car traffic and increase opportunities for health and fitness, we try to encourage walking and cycling wherever it is safe,” said Keith Gallinelli, chairman of the nine member town appointed Fairfield Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee.
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