Bridgeport
Bridgeport was the home of P.T. Barnum and the birthplace in 1838 of Charles Sherwood Stratton, who was only 25 inches tall until reaching his teens and never grew beyond 40 inches. Billed as “General” Tom Thumb, Stratton was the main attraction of Barnum's “Greatest Show on Earth.”
A tiny avian resident in the vicinity is the monk parakeet, a native of South America. Colonies of the bright green birds live along the coast from Norwalk to Branford. Also known as Quaker parrots, these former pets survive the New England winter in communal stick nests that often span 6 feet.
The Port Jefferson Ferry provides daily car ferry service from Bridgeport to Port Jefferson, N.Y.; phone (888) 443-3779.
Things to Do
The Barnum MuseumThe Discovery Museum and Planetarium
Recreational Activities