Comprising several city blocks of South Norwalk, this area has been placed on the National Historic Register for the importance of its late19th and early 20th century buildings. Saved from almost certain destruction 20 years ago, these wonderful facades now shelter a lively group of restaurants and distinctive retail shops, as well as offices and apartments.
 The founding father of Norwalk was colonist Roger Ludlow, who in 1640 purchased lands to the west of the Norwalk River from the Norwake Indians. By 1654, Ludlow sold acreage to colonist settlers who built homes, schools and churches. During the late 1600's the colonist population swelled to 850. In the early 1700's South Norwalk was known among colonists as "Old Well." The name was derived from nearby fresh water springs that provided a convenient location for reprovisioning of numerous schooners and ships. Old Well was eventually given the official name of "South Norwalk" by the Connecticut Assembly.
 Norwalk's shipping trade grew rapidly and became home to sea captains and mariners. Norwalk also attracted many talented artisans, from silversmiths to chair and cabinetmakers to haberdashers.
During the Revolutionary War, British forces attacked Norwalk on July 10 and 11, 1779, and burned it to the ground, leaving most of the freedom fighters and their families homeless. Fortunately, the war ended six months later and the State of Connecticut eventually reimbursed three hundred victims.
 Today, South Norwalk is a lively retail center and the home of numerous Internet technology companies. Many buildings from earlier centuries have been restored to house modern businesses. The New England Brewing Company preserves the art of independent brewing in a magnificently restored building, while the former Corset Factory houses upscale apartments. Another former factory, the historic Lock Building, is being converted into offices for arts and technology-related fields along with a ground-floor restaurant and shops. The SoNo Historic District, distinguished by its handsome Victorian lampposts, even has its own historic electric generating plant!
 In
1997 the grand colonnaded building that formerly housed the Norwalk City
Hall reopened as The Norwalk
Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the commercial and industrial
history of 19th century Norwalk. Built in 1912 and listed on the National
Register of Historic Places this important landmark showcases community
exhibitions and the museums extensive collection of Norwalk art, furniture,
ephemera, artifacts and collectibles. The Museum Shop features products
made in or related to Norwalk's past and present. |
