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Stamford, Connecticut: Typewriters, Shavers, and a Rail Junction

Stamford, Connecticut

Pictures from Stamford

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Downtown Stamford skyline First Presbyterian Church (the "Fish Church") Mill River Park

Stamford was settled in 1641 by families from Wethersfield, and its 18th-century prosperity came from a harbor that shipped goods to New York and the West Indies. The town incorporated as a borough in 1830 and became a city in 1893. Along the way, Stamford turned into a hub of American invention: George C. Blickensderfer patented his typewriter there on April 12, 1892, and Jacob Schick patented his electric shaving implement on July 23, 1929; Phillips' Milk of Magnesia was also produced in the city. The 1699 Hoyt Barnum House, preserved by the Stamford History Center, survives as a visitable relic of that colonial period. Today Stamford is Connecticut's second-largest city, a corporate-headquarters hub and New York City suburb whose residents have included Jackie Robinson and football star Andy Robustelli.

  1. 80-plus acres of art galleries, a working farm, nature trails, and a new planetarium.

  2. Downtown's flagship stage for touring concerts, comedy, and tribute acts.

  3. Free, year-round gardens and collections in North Stamford, dawn to dusk.

  4. A downtown greenway with a carousel, ice-skating center, and fountain.

  5. The city's research library, photo archives, and steward of the 1699 Hoyt Barnum House.

  6. The 1935 original of the hot-oil thin-crust pizza chain.

  7. Family-owned since 1947, on Stamford's Italian West Side — famous for baked chicken.

  8. Italian tapas, house-made pasta, and a signature Vodka Pizza.

  9. Stamford's hometown brewery, with a taproom and a coffee-and-coworking side.

  10. A boutique pick on East Main Street, with a heated indoor pool and 24/7 gym.

Typewriters, shavers, and a second-largest city

Stamford was settled in 1641 by families from Wethersfield. By the 1700s it was a successful commercial center, its prosperity built on a harbor that shipped and received goods with New York and the West Indies; the town incorporated as a borough in 1830 and became a city in 1893. Stamford also became a hub of American invention: George C. Blickensderfer patented his typewriter on April 12, 1892, and Jacob Schick patented his electric shaving implement on July 23, 1929, while Phillips' Milk of Magnesia was produced in the city as well. The 1699 Hoyt Barnum House, preserved by the Stamford History Center, survives as a visitable relic of that colonial period. Per the 2020 census, Stamford surpassed both Hartford and New Haven to become Connecticut's second-largest city, behind only Bridgeport — a corporate hub and New York suburb whose residents have included Jackie Robinson and football star Andy Robustelli.

Getting there

Most visitors arrive at the Stamford Transportation Center, one of the busiest rail hubs in the Northeast: Metro-North's New Haven Line runs trains as often as every 3-7 minutes at peak, with connecting New Canaan Branch and Danbury Branch service. Amtrak stops with the Acela, Northeast Regional, and Vermonter, and Shore Line East service to Stamford resumed October 7, 2024. Drivers come in on the I-95 corridor, which passes directly over the transportation center.

Museums, parks, and a downtown stage

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center spans 80-plus acres with the Bendel Mansion's art galleries, the working Heckscher Farm, nature trails, and a new Planetarium & Astronomy Center. The Palace Theatre on Atlantic Street hosts touring concerts, comedy, and tribute acts. Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens in North Stamford is free and open year-round, dawn to dusk, and downtown's Mill River Park offers a carousel, an ice-skating center, and a fountain. The Stamford History Center preserves the city's story, including stewardship of the Hoyt Barnum House.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Stamford?
The Stamford Transportation Center is a major Metro-North New Haven Line hub, with peak trains every 3-7 minutes and connecting New Canaan and Danbury Branch service; Amtrak Acela, Northeast Regional, and Vermonter also stop, along with Shore Line East (service resumed October 7, 2024). I-95 passes directly over the station.
What did Stamford invent?
George C. Blickensderfer patented his typewriter in Stamford on April 12, 1892, and Jacob Schick patented his electric shaving implement there on July 23, 1929; Phillips' Milk of Magnesia was also produced in the city.
What is the Hoyt Barnum House?
A house built in 1699, preserved by the Stamford History Center as a visitable relic of Stamford's colonial period.
Where can I stay in Stamford?
The Stamford Hotel on East Main Street is a boutique option with a heated indoor pool, a 24/7 fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms.
Is Stamford really Connecticut's second-largest city?
Yes — per the 2020 census, Stamford surpassed Hartford and New Haven and now ranks second only to Bridgeport.

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