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Site Description:

Environment: Bay

Additional Info:

Wilcox Cove

(Right off of Wilcox Park in Milford Harbor)

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Longitude 73.054243 ºW Latitude  41.222108 ºN

Site History:

Milford The Paugussett Indians settled Milford because of its location beside Long Island Sound, the Oyster River and the Housatonic River, and among the Wepawaug and Indian Rivers. They knew that the rivers, tidal flats, and marshes would provide an abundant supply of fish, clams, and oysters. After years of successful harvesting, they sold the land in 1639 to English colonists from the nearby Quinnipiac colony, now New Haven.

The 15 Puritan families who settled here established a stern church society governed by members called "The Seven Pillars," in reference to the Biblical passage on which their strict lifestyle was based. Granting suffrage to six non-members of the church fellowship proved they weren't too rigid, although that act did keep the town from being admitted to the New Haven Colony until 1643. Both became part of the Connecticut Colony in 1664.

Much like those early settlers, today's visitors will find the water is very important to Milfordites. Oystering remains a big industry in this city of 50,000. In fact, Connecticut oysters are widely regarded as the best-tasting in the U.S. and they net the highest returns, thanks to cold, clean water and fine aquaculture techniques. Having the longest coastline in Connecticut, Milford is also proud of its beaches, six of which are open to the public.

With its waters such an economically important asset, Milford was one of the first coastal communities in the state to develop a Harbor Management Plan. Two old sewage treatment plants were shut down in favor of a new one, leading directly to significantly cleaner water in the harbor. Other towns have followed Milford's shining example-good news for the health and future of Long Island Sound.