Stamford, Connecticut
Fairfield county. This beautiful town is bounded on the S. by Long Island Sound and on the N.W. by the state of New York. Its Indian name was Rippowans, and was purchased of the natives for "twelve coats, twelve hoes, twelve hatchets, twelve knives, two kettles and four fathom of white wampum." The soil of Stamford is a rich gravelly loam, well cultivated and very productive. The surface is undulating, presenting a great variety of delightful prospects. The town is well supplied with mill sites by Mill and Miannas rivers, and, within its bay, between Shippan and Greenwich points, are good harbors for vessels of 8 1/2 feet draught of water. There are a number of vessles owned here, and Stamford is a place of an active trade with the surrounding country and New York. There are within the limits of the town an iron foundry, a rolling mill, a wire factory, and two large boot and shoe manufactories.
Stamford Borough is a neat village, beautifully situated near the sound and surrounded by a country full of interesting scenery.
This was the residence of the Hon. Abraham Davenport, for many years one of the Counsellors of the colony, and afterwards of the state. He was the son of the Rev. John Davenport, the second minister of Stamford, and grandson of the Rev. John Davenport, the father of New Haven colony. Mr. Davenport was distinguished for his vigorous mind, Christian integrity, and for his uncommon firmness of character.
