Branford, Connecticut facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Branford, Connecticut
|
||
|---|---|---|
Town Green
|
||
|
||
 New Haven County and Connecticut South Central Connecticut Planning Region and Connecticut |
||
| Country |  United States |
|
| U.S. state |  Connecticut |
|
| County | New Haven | |
| Region | South Central CT | |
| Settled | 1644 | |
| Incorporated | 1685 | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Representative town meeting | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 28.0 sq mi (72.5 km2) | |
| • Land | 22.0 sq mi (56.9 km2) | |
| • Water | 6.0 sq mi (15.6 km2) | |
| Elevation | 43 ft (13 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
|
||
| • Total | 28,273 | |
| • Density | 1,009.8/sq mi (389.97/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (Eastern) | |
| ZIP code |
06405
|
|
| Area code(s) | 203/475 | |
| FIPS code | 09-07310 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 0213395 | |
Branford is a town located on the coast of Long Island Sound in New Haven County, Connecticut. It's about 6 miles (10 km) east of downtown New Haven. Branford is part of the South Central Connecticut Planning Region. It shares borders with East Haven to the west, Guilford to the east, and North Branford to the north. In 2020, about 28,273 people lived in Branford.
Contents
Exploring Branford's Geography
Branford covers a total area of 28.0 square miles (72.5 km²). About 22.0 square miles (56.9 km²) of this is land, and 6.0 square miles (15.6 km²) is water. This water includes the Branford River, Queach Brook, and the Branford Supply Ponds.
There are two main harbors: Branford Harbor in the center and Stony Creek Harbor on the east side. Branford also has a town beach at Branford Point. A large part of Branford's western border with East Haven is taken up by Lake Saltonstall. This lake is a reservoir, meaning it stores drinking water. Next to the lake is Saltonstall Mountain, which is part of a long ridgeline called the Metacomet Ridge. The very end of this ridgeline, Beacon Hill, is in Branford.
The town of Branford also includes the unique Thimble Islands.
A Look at Branford's History
The area now known as Branford was originally called Totoket. In 1638, English settlers from New Haven bought this land from the Mattabesech Indians. Before that, the Dutch had a trading post at the mouth of the Branford River in the 1600s. This is why a place there is still called "Dutch Wharf."
The name "Branford" likely comes from the town of Brentford, England. Early maps even showed the town as Brentford before its name was shortened. Branford was officially established in 1644. It grew steadily through the 1700s and 1800s. In the late 1700s, the first shoreline community, Stony Creek, was settled. Other areas like Indian Neck and Pine Orchard also started to be settled later on.
In 1852, the arrival of the railroad brought new businesses to Branford. These included companies like Branford Lockworks and the Atlantic Wire Company. The famous Stony Creek granite quarries also became very important because of the railroad.
By the mid-1800s, Branford became a popular place for vacations. Many hotels opened, attracting visitors to areas like Indian Neck and Pine Orchard. However, by the mid-1900s, Branford changed from a resort town to a typical suburban community.
Landmarks and Fun Places to Visit
Branford has several historic areas listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). These areas feature buildings with interesting architectural styles like Federal and Queen Anne. Five of these historic districts are Branford Center, Branford Point, Canoe Brook, Route 146, and Stony Creek-Thimble Islands.
You can also find more than 20 historic homes and properties listed individually on the National Register. One example is the Harrison House and Museum, which was built in 1724. It has old furniture, local historical items, and a lovely herb garden.
If you want to explore the water, you can take cruises of the Thimble Islands from the Stony Creek dock. In March, you can even go on special seal-watch cruises!
Branford offers many places for outdoor fun. There are town parks and private beaches, hiking trails along Lake Saltonstall, and a part of the Shoreline Greenway Trail. With 20 miles (32 km) of coastline, Branford also has more than 12 marinas for boats.
Branford is also home to two breweries named after local spots: Thimble Island Brewing Company and Stony Creek Brewery.
Main Communities in Branford
Branford Center
Branford Center is the heart of the town. It has many small shops, restaurants, and coffee houses along Main Street. The Branford Green is a central park area with churches, the town hall, and other government buildings. The Green is a popular spot for concerts and events, like the yearly Branford Festival. High school graduations are often held here too!
Branford Hill
Branford Hill is on the western side of town. It has a busy commercial area along U.S. Route 1, with many restaurants, car dealerships, and grocery stores. Further south, you'll find quieter areas with forests and farms, perfect for hiking on trails preserved by the Branford Land Trust. These trails connect to the Shoreline Greenway trail. The northern part also has woodlands around Lake Saltonstall, which is a reservoir with its own trail system.
Branford Hill also has many condominium and apartment buildings.
Indian Neck
Indian Neck is in the south-central part of Branford, on a peninsula next to Branford Harbor. Foote Park and John B. Sliney Memorial Park are both located here.
In the early to mid-1900s, Indian Neck was a popular place for tourists. It had trolley service and its own shopping area with stores and restaurants. Many people had second homes here, making the beach a lively spot. Over time, as more people moved here year-round, many of the old businesses closed. Stony Creek Brewery opened in Indian Neck in 2015.
Pine Orchard
Pine Orchard is located between Indian Neck and Stony Creek. Here you'll find the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club and Francis Walsh Intermediate School. Some well-known people, like Edward M. Kennedy Jr., live in Pine Orchard.
Stony Creek
Stony Creek is a charming seaside neighborhood in southeastern Branford. It has the feel of a small village with unique buildings, shops, and art galleries.
Just off the coast of Stony Creek are the amazing Thimble Islands. These are a group of rocky islands, some as big as 17 acres and others just small stepping stones. They have a rich history and are a beautiful sight for summer boat tours.
Stony Creek is also famous for its granite quarries. The unique pink/orange Stony Creek granite was used to build parts of the Brooklyn Bridge, the base of the Statue of Liberty, and even a building in Washington, D.C.. This granite was also chosen for the Statue of Liberty museum, which opened in 2019.
Short Beach
Short Beach is a beach neighborhood on the western side of town, south of Branford Hills. It has many small private islands, like Kelsey Island, which has summer cabins. However, these islands are not open to the public. Short Beach is home to part of the famous Shore Line Trolley Museum, which is a fun place to see old trolleys. The Yale Corinthian Yacht Club is also here.
Short Beach is known for its population of monk parakeets, often called the "Short Beach Parrots." These are non-native birds that have made the area their home. Every year, Short Beach hosts a three-day festival called Short Beach Days at the end of summer.
Hotchkiss Grove
Hotchkiss Grove is located between Indian Neck and Pine Orchard. It has a small beach for swimming and boating, with a raft to swim out to. Bay Point Park, also known as The Point, is a grassy area that extends into the water. Residents can sometimes rent The Point for parties. Every first Saturday in August, Hotchkiss Grove Day is held. It's a fun day with a costume parade, games, beach activities, food, and live music. Many of the old summer cottages in Hotchkiss Grove have now become year-round homes.
Other Communities
Branford also has other smaller communities and natural features like Branford Point, Double Beach, Money Island, Pawson Park, and the rest of the Thimble Islands.
Branford's Industries
Branford is home to several high-tech and pharmaceutical companies. These include 454 Life Sciences and Durata Therapeutics, which focuses on medicines for infectious diseases. American Polyfilm, Inc., which makes special polyurethane film for various industries, also has offices and manufacturing in Branford. Wilson Arms, a company that makes small-caliber rifles, is also located here.
Branford is also known for its three privately owned breweries: Stony Creek Brewery, Thimble Island Brewing Co, and Duvig Brewing Company. You can also find large glazing and window construction companies like Massey's Plate Glass & Aluminum and Cherry Hill Glass. Autac, Inc., which has been making coiled cords since 1947, is also in Branford.
Schools in Branford
Students in Branford attend these schools:
- Branford High School
- Francis Walsh Intermediate School
- John B. Sliney School
- Linda Chipkin School
- Mary R. Tisko School
- Mary T. Murphy School
- East Shoreline Catholic Academy
Getting Around Branford
The main highway through Branford is Interstate 95, which runs along the East Coast of the United States. The town has a train station on the Shore Line East commuter rail line, which connects New London to New Haven.
The Branford Steam Railroad transports crushed rock from North Branford to barges at Juniper Point near Stony Creek. If you need to fly, Tweed New Haven Regional Airport is only about 3 miles (5 km) west of Branford.
Main Roads
- West Main Street/North Main Street/East Main Street (U.S. Route 1): This road runs parallel to I-95 and goes right through the town center.
- Connecticut Route 142 (Short Beach Road/Shore Drive): This route serves the community of Short Beach in the southwestern part of town.
- Connecticut Route 146: This is a scenic route that winds through coastal communities in southeastern Branford and into Guilford. It follows the railroad tracks closely.
- Cedar Street/Brushy Plain Road: This road goes from Main Street into North Branford. Many apartment complexes are located along this road. Mary T. Murphy Elementary School and Veterans Memorial Park are also on Brushy Plain Road. A winding part of the road is known as "Snake Hill."
Branford's Culture and Events
One of the biggest events in Branford each year is the Branford Festival. It happens on Father's Day weekend and features delicious food, local crafts, fun rides for kids, live music, and a 5-mile (8 km) road race.
Every autumn, a large book sale is held on the Branford Green. This event helps raise money for the town library.
Famous People from Branford
Many interesting people have connections to Branford, including:
- Jacob M. Appel, a novelist and expert in medical ethics.
- Skylar Dunn, an American actress.
- Edward Kennedy Jr., a State Senator and son of the famous U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy.
- Henry Lee, a well-known forensic scientist.
- Thomas Steitz, who won the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2009.
- Beverly Willis, a pioneering American architect.
Sister City
Branford has a special connection with Brentford, England, as its sister city.
Images for kids
-
A beach in Branford, Connecticut, near Shore Drive.
See also
In Spanish: Branford (Connecticut) para niños
