A Brief History

Founded in 1649, Norwalk survived burning by the British in 1779. By the 19th century, Norwalk was an active seaport, with shipping trade and regular steamboat passenger service to New York. It also had a bustling clam and oyster industry. The arrival of the railroad spurred Norwalk's industrial industry. The arrival of the railroad spurred Norwalk's industrial and commercial growth as well as its emergence as a thriving summer resort. Today Norwalk is the state's largest city, with a population of nearly 80,000. Residents represent an ethnic, cultural and religious diversity that gives the city a cosmopolitan atmosphere. In the last decade Norwalk has played an increasingly significant role in the area's flourishing tourism industry.

Schools and Education

The Norwalk Public Schools System is proud of the progress and advances students and educators have made in recent years. Foreign languages are a priority in the Norwalk Schools, where more languages are offered than any other district in Connecticut. Through its numerous, innovative educational enhancement programs, along with its traditional curricula, the Norwalk Schools are creating an exceptional educational experience for city students.

Arts and Leisure

Cultural attractions, museums, shops and restaurants are located throughout the city. The ambiance of historic South Norwalk (SoNo) and its waterfront area, the beaches and golf courses of East Norwalk, wooded parks and trails in West Norwalk and Silvermine (which overlaps into neighboring New Canaan) and the quaint, seaside village charm of Rowayton all contribute to Norwalk's growing popularity as a place to live, work and visit.