Branford Center, Connecticut facts for kids

Branford Center is a lively neighborhood and a special area defined by the census in the town of Branford, Connecticut, United States. It includes the traditional town center, which is the main part of Branford. It also covers an area called Branford Point. In 2010, about 5,819 people lived in Branford Center.

Branford Town Hall

Civil War Memorial

Trinity Episcopal Church

Exploring Branford's Historic Center

The Branford Center Historic District was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1987. This means it's a special area recognized for its important history and old buildings. The historic district is about 250 acres big. It has 557 buildings that are considered "contributing." This means they help show the area's history. These buildings include homes, garages, and carriage houses.

The district also has two historic cemeteries: Center Cemetery and Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery. Modern buildings, like the Branford High School, were not included in the historic district. Also, older buildings that had changed too much were left out.

Architectural Styles and Famous Buildings

The buildings in Branford Center show many different styles. You can see Greek Revival architecture, Queen Anne architecture, and Colonial Revival architecture. Other styles include Italianate architecture, Federal architecture, and Gothic Revival architecture. Most of these buildings were built in common styles of the time.

One very important building is the James Blackstone Memorial Library. It was built in 1893 and designed by a famous architect named Solon Spencer Beman. The library is made of Tennessee marble. It has a beautiful domed, octagonal rotunda inside.

Not many buildings from the 1600s or early 1700s remain in Branford Center. Instead, the district shows what life was like in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It reflects the area's history of factories, shops, and homes.

Important Buildings in the District

You can find buildings from old industries here, like those from the Malleable Iron Fittings Company. Government buildings are also part of the district. The Branford Town Hall, built in 1857, is a good example of Greek Revival style.

Several churches are also in the historic district:

• The First Baptist Church, built in 1840, is at 975 Main Street.
• St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church has a rectory from around 1925 that is historic. The church building itself is newer, from 1974.
• The First Congregational Church, at 1009 Main Street, was built in 1843. It's made of brick and stone in the Greek Revival style. It also has an Italianate addition from later years.

Branford's Location and Size

The U.S. Census Bureau defines Branford Center's boundaries. It stretches from the Branford River north along Short Beach Road. Then it goes northeast along U.S. Route 1 to Cedar Street. From there, it goes north on Cedar Street to Interstate 95. Finally, it runs east on I-95 back to the Branford River. The Branford River forms the entire southeastern edge of the area.

Branford Center, including Branford Point, covers about 2.1 square miles (5.4 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 1.9 square miles (4.9 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 0.2 square miles (0.5 square kilometers), is water.

The Heart of Branford: The Green

Annual book sale on the Branford Green, 2019

The Branford Green is like a traditional town square you'd see in New England. It's the main spot for social events, shopping, and government activities in Branford. Many small shops, restaurants, and coffee houses are located around the Green. Popular spots include Ashley's Ice Cream and Common Grounds. The Green also hosts concerts and other fun events.

Every year, the Green is home to the Branford Festival. The Friends of the Blackstone Memorial Library also hold a popular used book sale here.

Churches and the town hall line the Branford Green. Other government buildings, like the Branford Police Department and the United States Post Office, are nearby. A memorial honoring Branford's role in the American Civil War stands near the town hall. The historic Blackstone Library is also in this area.

Branford Center is home to several schools:

• St. Mary School (for grades K-8)
• John B. Sliney (for grades K-4)
• Mary T. Murphy
• Mary Tisko
• Branford High School (for grades 9–12)

People of Branford Center

In 2000, there were 5,735 people living in Branford Center. The population density was about 3,097 people per square mile (1,196 people per square kilometer).

The population was spread out by age:

• 17.8% were under 18 years old.
• 6.1% were between 18 and 24.
• 34.9% were between 25 and 44.
• 21.5% were between 45 and 64.
• 19.8% were 65 years or older.

The average age was 40 years old. For every 100 females, there were about 85 males.

See also

In Spanish: Branford Center (Connecticut) para niños