The Milford Green is the second-longest in New England, featuring small businesses and shops among historic buildings. In fact, history reads that George Washington dined and rested here. Milford’s culture runs deep through its rich history, which can sometimes be overlooked.

     According to the City of Milford, in February of 1639, English colonists purchased the ‘Wepawaug’ area from Ansantawae, Chief Sachem of the Paugussett Tribe. Townspeople began to settle in modern-day Orange, West Haven, and Milford.

     Colonists utilized the Wepawaug River and 17 miles of coastline for economic growth, focusing on shipbuilding, oystering, and trade from Milford harbor. The 1900s introduced the leather industry, along with clothing production.

     The Milford Historical Society demonstrates these changes through three 18th century homes and several Native American artifacts. During the summer, people can visit and take tours, as well as shop at their general store.

     Milford carries its motto,“A Small City with a Big Heart,” through everything it does as a town, from preserving history, to annual public events such as the tree lighting or Oyster Festival.

     Foran teacher and alum Mr. Jeffery Raucci says, “People will typically only think of Fairfield, Greenwich, Stamford, etc. when talking about popular places in CT, but forget about Milford because we may be a small city. But once people come to Milford, they are able to see the beauty and location of where we are… and the great businesses and shoreline that we have!”