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Sherwood Island State Park
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State Park Overview |
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History of the Area |
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Sherwood Island State Park covers just over 235 acres in the Greens Farms section of Westport. It is bounded on the west by the Mill Pond and on the east by New Creek. Centuries ago, another creek (Gallup?s Gap Creek) ran roughly down the middle, with an island to its west (Fox Island) and marshland to its east.
In the 1600s, a group of farmers settled on land east of the present park. They shared the surrounding salt marsh and farmed what was then called Fox Island. At the same time Thomas Sherwood, a miller from Nottingham England, arrived in nearby Fairfield with his family.
In 1787, Sherwood descendents settled on Fox Island and acquired an existing gristmill on the Mill Pond. Through the 1800s, on what came to be called Sherwood?s Island, the Sherwoods grew abundant crops. Onions and potatoes in particular were sent by ship to New York in great quantity. The gristmill serviced local farmers until grain farming in the area declined.
In 1914, after surveying the coastline, the Connecticut State Park Commission determined that the Sherwood?s Island area was the only location in Fairfield County suitable for a shore park. By then, the land had many owners. For help in making acquisitions, the Commission turned to William H. Burr Jr., a Westport produce farmer, former state legislator and an activist for historical preservation.
Because the first property purchase was made in 1914, Sherwood Island is said to be Connecticut?s oldest state park but many years passed before it was accessible to the public. By 1923, with William Burr acting as intermediary, the State had acquired 48 acres of land on the marsh. However, neighboring landowner objections held up further funding to buy uplands for parking and park facilities. Through continuing advocacy by Burr and several regional associations, funding for the key parcels was approved, but not until 1937. These purchases were instrumental in creating momentum that lead to additional acquisitions and recreational improvements. |
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More Info | |
Sherwood Island State Park, located in Westport, is the oldest Connecticut State Park | |
... New Bathhouses and Lifeguard Offices Opened at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport Department of Environmental Protection ... aid offices at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. The new 3 ... | |
Friends of Sherwood Island State Park Helping to preserve and protect Connecticuts oldest State Park ace On this website The park Maps, park history, Nature Center, Nature Trail, Impressionist ... | |
Westport Connecticut Photo Tour courtesy of Country Living Associates ... evenings open free to the public, weather permitting. Sherwood Island State Park 274 acres with a mile-and-a-half long beach ... | |
ConnectiKITERS Kite ClubWe fly kites in Connecticut ~Just for the Fun of it!~ ... Sherwood Island State Park Sherwood Island State Park is another one of the great sites on the shoreline of ... | |
Descriptive history of the unbuilt Sherwood Island Parkway in southwestern Connecticut. ... Westport from the Merritt Parkway to Sherwood Island State Park. The Sherwood Island Parkway was designed not ... | |
Voice for Joanie is a totally volunteer organization in southewestern Connecticut which provides ... to Dfeet ALS in Westport at Sherwood Island State Park October 18, 2003 Walk to Dfeet ALS in ... |
Area Attractions |
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Area Fishing Related Businesses | | Fly Fishing Store
85 Main St
Stony Brook, NY
Unverified listing
| Bowman's Sporting Goods Co
50 Main St
Northport, NY
(631) 261-6611
| Noli Eileen Fishing Boat
202 E Shore Rd
Halesite, NY
Unverified listing
| Cross River Sportsman Shack
759 Route 35
Cross River, NY
(914) 763-9255
| Greenwich Kayak & Canoe Co
242 S Water St
Greenwich, CT
(203) 531-5928
| Fish Tales Bait & Tackle LLC
379 Shippan Ave
Stamford, CT
(203) 325-4775
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Area Resorts and Lodging | | Chalet Motor Inn
23 Centershore Rd
Centerport, NY
(631) 757-4600
| Doric Lodge
865 E Main St
Bridgeport, CT
(203) 333-7385
| Acacia Lodge
15 Pond pl
Cos Cob, CT
(203) 629-0581
| Caribbean Resorts & Villas
100 Edward pl
Stamford, CT
(203) 461-8700
| Waters Edge Resort Club
25 Ford Rd
Westport, CT
(203) 226-5800
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From I-95 north and south take Exit 18 to access the Sherwood Island Connector. Follow the Connector directly into the park.
From Route 1 north and south take the Sherwood Island Connector in Westport. Proceed past the I-95 entrance/exit ramps directly into the park.From Route 15 northbound take Exit 41 and proceed south on Route 33 to Route 1. Follow Route 1 north to the Sherwood Island Connector in Westport.
From Route 15 southbound take Exit 42 and follow Route 57 south. Go left onto Route 33. Proceed south on Route 33 to Route 1. Follow Route 1 north to the Sherwood Island Connector in Westport. |
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Sherwood Island State Park
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