Norwalk History

Norwalk was officially established as a town in September 1651. It is believed that the name Norwalk was derived from the Indian word Norwaulke which meant food from the seas. Norwalk, as a waterfront community, has been best known for its oysters since the days of the Civil War. The early Dutch settlers were introduced to oysters and seafood by the Indians who lived here at the time. Thus, Norwalk began as a small fishing and farming village shipping goods between New York and New Haven. Norwalk is still known as the oyster capital of the nation.

Today, the city of Norwalk is the sixth largest in the state with a population of approximately 84,000. It covers an area of 15,777 acres or about 23.5 square miles. It consists of country and suburban residential neighborhoods, condominium and apartment complexes, and many new business developments. Norwalk has been consistently rated by various publications as one of the best places to live in the nation.

Norwalk is deeply committed to a sense of cultural preservation and restoration of its historical past and marine heritage. This is evidenced by the ongoing renovation of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, the revitalization of the historic SONO district, and the expansion of the harbor-side aquarium, museum, and IMAX movie complex known as the Maritime Aquarium. Concerned individuals have formed organizations such as the Norwalk Seaport Association and the Long Island Sound Association to assure the preservation of these areas.

Annual events in Norwalk’s community include the Oyster Festival, SONO Arts Festival, Round Hill Scottish Games, Victorian Ice Cream Social, various outdoor concerts, fireworks, antique and craft festivals, and much more. Norwalk has a public golf course, tennis courts, boating and marine activities, and winter activities.

For more information, see the official Norwalk, CT website.