Before European colonizers arrived in modern-day Bridgeport, the Paugussett Native American tribe inhabited the area, which is an ancient Paugusett burial ground. The Paugussett people called the area Pequonnock, which means "Cleared Land." The first Europeans arrived here in 1644 and settled in the Stratfield district, along U.S. Route 1. This route was known as King's Highway. European colonizers settled in the area between modern-day North Avenue, bordered by Park and Briarwood Avenues. Early residents focused on fishing and farming, as the Paugusset people did. By 1695, the area became known as Stratfield. By 1800, the village in modern-day Bridgeport became known as the Borough of Bridgeport. Bridgeport Bank was established in 1806, and the township of Bridgeport became independent of Stratford in 1821. The Bridgeport Steamship Company was incorporated in 1824, and the Bridgeport Whaling Company in 1833. P.T. Barnum was elected mayor of Bridgeport in 1875, and the town was the winter headquarters of the Barnum and Bailey Circus. The city experienced an economic boom due to the Civil War as it had many iron foundries and factories manufacturing firearms, metallic cartridges, and more. For 40 years after 1870, the city was the major industrial center of Connecticut. This significant industrialization led to the city's population growing from 25,000 to over 100,000. Many of the new residents were Irish, Slovaks, Hungarians, Germans, English, and Italian immigrants.

Bridgeport provides its residents with an overwhelming range of activities and attractions, such as:

The Beardsley Zoo. This zoo has over 300 animals and is the only zoo in the state. It is divided into five areas: the Walk-Through Aviary, Alligator Alley, Rainforest Building, Pampas Plains, and New England Farmyard. The zoo also has the Peacock Café to satisfy your hunger and thirst after a busy day of animal-watching.

The Adventure Park. This park, which is just outside the Discovery Museum and Planetarium, is the state's largest aerial adventure park. You can take a walk along any of the 13 treetop trails and 180 challenges with difficulty levels for all ages. The park also has an outdoor ax-throwing area.

Seaside Park. This park is Bridgeport's best waterfront destination where people can take a swim, play volleyball, have a picnic, and even sail or kayak. It stretches across three miles of coastline and is home to Fayerweather Island, a natural wildlife preserve, and sports an Instagram-worthy lighthouse that dates back to the 1820s.

Monger's Market. This market offers a collection of eclectic and unique items. It is inside a large warehouse on Railroad Avenue featuring all types of antiques, from China sets to industrial salvage items. So whether you want furniture, jewelry, or quirky decorative items, Monger's Market most likely has that fantastic object to add to your collection.