The history of Norwalk goes back to 1640 when the land between the Norwalk and Saugatuck rivers was purchased by Roger Ludlow. The city played a role in the writing of the traditional American song "Yankee Doodle." During the French and Indian War, the British regiment began to mock and ridicule the rag-tag Connecticut troops, who had only chicken feathers for a uniform, thus the line “stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni,” macaroni being the London slang for a foppish dandy. The farming of oysters has long been important to Norwalk, which was once nicknamed "Oyster Town." Oyster farming in Norwalk peaked from the late 19th century to the early part of the 20th century. By 1880, it had the largest fleet of steam-powered oyster boats in the world. Each September, Norwalk hosts an Oyster Festival. Take a ferry ride from South Norwalk to the Sheffield Island and treat yourself to a tour the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Built in 1868, the 10-room lighthouse showcases period furniture. The lighthouse was retired in 1902. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For more history, visit historical attractions like the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, a 62-room 'country' house that is recognized as one of America's first mansions. This Victorian-era home has gilded frescos on ceilings, carved fireplaces/panels, marbled pillars and many firsts, including a burglar-alarm system, central cooling and hot/cold running plumbing. Railroad enthusiasts will delight in the SoNo Switch Tower Museum, located in the fully restored 1896-built Switch Tower in the South Norwalk Historic District. While in SoNo, you can observe marine wildlife from Long Island Sound at The Maritime Aquarium. Gathered here are crabs, lobsters, mollusks, game fish, jellies, sea turtles, sharks (big and small) and – in the winter – visiting seals. There is also an IMAX theater, a shark touch tank and a pretend boat for children to play on. While exploring the marinas, yacht clubs and lovely waterfront properties, it’s good to know you have a safe harbor for rest and when you stay at one of our Choice Hotels in Norwalk, CT. Book a room online now!