Black Rock Harbor is located in
Bridgeport
Bridgeport is the most populous city and a major port in the U.S. state of Connecticut. With a population of 148,654 in 2020, it is also the fifth-most populous in New England. Located in eastern Fairfield County at the mouth of the Pequonnoc ...
,
Connecticut
Connecticut () is the southernmost state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, New York to the west, and Long Island Sound to the south. Its cap ...
on
Long Island Sound
Long Island Sound is a marine sound and tidal estuary of the Atlantic Ocean. It lies predominantly between the U.S. state of Connecticut to the north and Long Island in New York to the south. From west to east, the sound stretches from the Eas ...
. The
Black Rock Harbor Light on
Fayerweather IslandFayerweather Island (Black Rock Harbor), CT
marks the entrance to the harbor
A harbor (American English), harbour (British English; see spelling differences), or haven is a sheltered body of water where ships, boats, and barges can be docked. The term ''harbor'' is often used interchangeably with ''port'', which is a ...
on its east, while St. Mary's by the Sea forms its western beachhead. Seaside Park runs along the northeastern part of the harbor. The harbor is the mouth of Cedar Creek. It is a protected harbor that developed as a trade port
A port is a maritime facility comprising one or more wharves or loading areas, where ships load and discharge cargo and passengers. Although usually situated on a sea coast or estuary, ports can also be found far inland, such as Ham ...
and shipbuilding
Shipbuilding is the construction of ships and other floating vessels. It normally takes place in a specialized facility known as a shipyard. Shipbuilders, also called shipwrights, follow a specialized occupation that traces its roots to befor ...
center in the 18th century. It is now primarily a recreational harbor, having been superseded by the Bridgeport Harbor
Bridgeport Harbor is an inlet on the north side of Long Island Sound in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It was carved by the retreat of the glaciers during the last ice age approximately 13,000 years ago.
Bridgeport Harbor is a federal shipping port and ...
, which was enlarged by substantial breakwaters
A breakwater is a permanent structure constructed at a coastal area to protect against tides, currents, waves, and storm surges. Part of a coastal management system, breakwaters are installed to minimize erosion, and to protect anchorages, h ...
in 1907.
St. Mary's by the Sea is a residential walkway along Long Island Sound
Long Island Sound is a marine sound and tidal estuary of the Atlantic Ocean. It lies predominantly between the U.S. state of Connecticut to the north and Long Island in New York to the south. From west to east, the sound stretches from the Eas ...
. Outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy bringing binoculars to watch the birds and wildlife here. There are walkways for power walkers or those looking for a leisurely stroll. The site also holds historic and cultural interest for visitors to explore.
Adjacent to the harbor there is also the neighborhood of Bridgeport also called Black Rock.
See also
*David Hawley
David Hawley (1741–1807) was a captain in the Continental Navy and a privateer during the American Revolutionary War. He commanded in the 1776 Battle of Valcour Island, which is generally regarded as one of the first naval battles of the Am ...
*Thomas Wheeler House
The Thomas Wheeler House is a historic Colonial home located at 266 Brewster Street, in the village of Black Rock Harbor in Bridgeport, Connecticut.The core of the house may date to as early as 1680. Thomas Wheeler was Black Rock's first white ...
References
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Ports and harbors of Connecticut
Geography of Bridgeport, Connecticut
Long Island Sound
Transportation in Fairfield County, Connecticut
Tourist attractions in Bridgeport, Connecticut