Bridgeport City Hall facts for kids
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Bridgeport City Hall
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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The City Hall of Bridgeport, Connecticut in Winter 2012.
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 202 State Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut |
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| Area | 1.8 acres (0.73 ha) |
| Built | 1854 |
| Architect | A. J. Davis; J. W. Northrop |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival, Greek Revival |
| Part of | Bridgeport Downtown South Historic District (ID87001402) |
| NRHP reference No. | 77001387 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 19, 1977 |
| Designated CP | September 3, 1987 |
The Bridgeport City Hall is an important old building in downtown Bridgeport, Connecticut. It was built way back in 1854. For many years, it served as both the city's main government building (City Hall) and a courthouse for Fairfield County. Because it's so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
In 1966, this old city hall was renamed McLevy Hall. It was named after a famous Bridgeport mayor, Jasper McLevy. Bridgeport got a new City Hall in 1916. However, some city offices stayed in McLevy Hall until the 1970s.
Building the City Hall and Courthouse
Deciding where to put the Fairfield County Courthouse was a big discussion. Fairfield, Connecticut used to be the main place for the county government and courts. But by the mid-1800s, the old courthouse was too small.
Also, cities like Bridgeport and Norwalk were growing fast. They seemed like better places for the county seat and a new courthouse. Bridgeport offered to pay for the new courthouse and a jail. This helped make the decision.
The Bridgeport City Hall was built between State and Bank Streets. Construction happened in 1853 and 1854. It cost about $75,000, which was a lot of money back then. Alexander Jackson Davis designed the building. He made it look like an ancient Greek temple.
The building opened in 1855. The ground floor was used for City Hall. The next two floors were for county government and courtrooms. There was also a large room called Washington Hall. This hall was used for public meetings and events.
By 1886, Bridgeport City Hall was again too small. Both the city and county needed more space. So, the Fairfield County Courthouse was built nearby.
Abraham Lincoln's Speech
On Saturday, March 10, 1860, a very important person spoke at Bridgeport City Hall. It was Abraham Lincoln, who would later become president. He gave a speech in Washington Hall.
The room was completely packed with people. Even more people gathered outside because they couldn't fit inside. Lincoln received a huge cheer from the crowd. After his speech, he took the 9:07 p.m. train back to Manhattan. Today, a special plaque marks the spot where Lincoln spoke.
Images for kids
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The City Hall of Bridgeport, Connecticut in Winter 2012.
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Western view of Bridgeport City Hall, before 1905
