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(Return to index) by Joel Leneker A little more than a mile to the south on the Bridgeport and Newtown Turnpike (Route 25), close to the Trumbull town line, is the Stepney Depot, the center of lower Stepney. The name Stepney was in use by 1740, but its origin is unknown.  The catalyst for the growth of this area was the arrival of the Housatonic Railroad in 1840. Offering faster, more efficient, cheaper transportation than a turnpike, it spurred the development of industries that included milling and the manufacturing of carriages and shirts and the growth of stores. The Stepney Depot became the key terminal for the delivery of raw materials and labor to the region. Tourists and visitors from Bridgeport and New York City soon were stepping off the train in Stepney to enjoy the clean air and countryside. The map for the southern portion of the Stepney Heritage trail identifies 11 historically significant sites and the Bridgeport and Newtown Turnpike (Route 25) that were key to the economic, social and educational development of Stepney. 
The Stepney Heritage Trail includes more than 24 historic sites and many historically significant residences in celebration of the more than 250-year heritage of the village of Stepney, located in the town of Monroe. The Save Our Stepney Task Force is currently seeking funds through grants and private donations for the site markers and an orientation kiosk on the Stepney Green. The Stepney Heritage Trail would not be possible without the efforts and contributions of the following individuals and organizations: Greater Bridgeport Area Foundation, Connecticut Humanities Council-Cultural Heritage Development Fund, DebraLee Hovey, 112th Connecticut State District Representative, Monroe Historical Society, Monroe Public Works Department , Monroe Rotary Club, Monroe Womens Club, Andrew J. Nunn, First Selectman, Town of Monroe, Save Our Stepney Task Force, Ed and Lorraine Warren, and the Werth Family Foundation For more information or to make a donation to the Stepney Heritage Trail project please contact Joel Leneker at 203.375.0830. Here's to seeing you on the Stepney Heritage Trail. This article was printed on 02/08/2006 in volume 2, issue 6 Previous article Next article |
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