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Shelton, CT

Frequently asked questions

Shelton, CT

Shelton is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 40,869 at the 2020 United States Census. The city is part of the Naugatuck Valley Planning Region.

Shelton was settled by the English as part of the town of Stratford, Connecticut, in 1639. On May 15, 1656, the Court of the Colony of Connecticut in Hartford affirmed that the town of Stratford included all of the territory 12 miles (19 km) inland from Long Island Sound, between the Housatonic River and the Fairfield town line. In 1662, Stratford selectmen Lt. Joseph Judson, Captain Joseph Hawley, and John Minor had secured all the written deeds of transfer from the Golden Hill Paugussett Indian Nation for this vast territory that comprises the present-day towns of Trumbull, Shelton, and Monroe.  Shelton was split off from Stratford in 1789, as Huntington (named for Samuel Huntington). The current name originated in a manufacturing village started in the 1860s called the Shelton Company founded by Edward N. Shelton—also the founder of Ousatonic Water Power Company. The rapidly growing borough of Shelton was incorporated as a city in 1915 and was consolidated with the town of Huntington in 1919 establishing the present city of Shelton.

Shelton was the site of one of the largest arson fires in the United States' history. It happened in 1975 when the Sponge Rubber Products plant (formerly owned by B.F. Goodrich) was set on fire. Charles Moeller, president of parent company Grand Sheet Metal Products, was acquitted of criminal charges, but in a suit under civil law (where the preponderance of evidence suffices to establish a factual claim), a jury found in 1988 that the insurer was entitled to disallow claims on the fire losses, based on the finding that the company's top officials arranged the fire to claim insurance money. Eight others were convicted or pleaded guilty.

In November 2007, a tree growing on Soundview Avenue in Shelton was selected and felled as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

On May 30, 2008, producers and staff for the upcoming movie All Good Things shot one scene on Canal St. in downtown Shelton. The scene was underneath the train trestle and involved one of the characters dragging a body and dumping it into the Housatonic River.

On July 31, 2009, a line of heavy thunderstorms with weak rotation spawned an EF1 tornado, which touched down with wind speeds between 95 and 105 miles per hour. According to WTNH, the most concentrated damage was along the Oronoque Trail, where many trees were blown down. There were no injuries or fatalities.

In November 2013, a tree located on Kazo Drive was picked as the second Rockefeller Center Christmas tree from Shelton.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 31.9 square miles (83 km²), of which 30.6 square miles (79 km²) is land and 1.4 square miles (3.6 km²), or 4.26%, is water.

In terms of health and wellness, Shelton prioritizes the well-being of its residents. Griffin Hospital provides comprehensive medical services, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare. For fitness enthusiasts, the Valley Fitness Center and Planet Fitness provide state-of-the-art gym facilities and fitness classes. SportsCenter of Connecticut offers a range of activities, including ice skating, golf, and laser tag.  Yoga lovers can enjoy classes at Yogativiti, while those seeking relaxation can visit Tranquility Mind & Body Wellness Spa for therapeutic massages and spa treatments. The Edge Fitness Clubs feature modern gym equipment and fitness programs.

Top sites in Shelton, CT are Homestead Farm of Jones Family Farms, Indian Well State Park, Beardsley's Cider Mill & Orchard, and Sports Center of Connecticut.

Population: 42,805 (2024). ZIP code: 06484. Area codes: 203, 475. Elevation: 62 ft (19 m). Area: 31.90 sq mi (82.63 km²).

FAQs

What is Shelton, CT famous for?

Settled in 1639 as part of the town of Stratford, the area was known as Coram, and also Ripton, before being incorporated in 1789 as Huntington. In 1882, it was renamed Shelton, before being incorporated as a city in 1915. The harnessing of abundant waterpower from the Husatonic River dam and a local canal allowed for the production of everything from pins to pianos. Today, Shelton remains a manufacturing center and the headquarters of many international companies. Included among Shelton’s manufactured goods are Wiffle balls—a Connecticut invention.

What type of town is Shelton, CT?

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Fairfield County, Shelton, Connecticut, is a welcoming suburban town that embodies the essence of a close-knit community with a focus on quality living. If you're in search of a town that offers a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere with easy access to both nature and modern amenities, Shelton may be the perfect place for you to call home. Shelton takes pride in its natural beauty and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The town's parks, including the scenic Indian Well State Park and the Shelton Lakes Recreation Path, provide walking trails, fishing, and picnicking spots. Residents can enjoy the serenity of the Housatonic River and the peaceful Shelton Reservoir.

What is the crime rate in Shelton, CT?

Shelton has an overall crime rate of 10 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Shelton is 1 in 102. Shelton's crime rate is lower than approximately 34% of Connecticut communities.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Shelton

Jackie Davis Team

Connecticut History

Neighborhood Scout

Homestead Farm of Jones Family Farms 

Indian Well State Park 

Beardsley's Cider Mill & Orchard 

Sports Center of Connecticut

Griffin Hospital

Valley Fitness Center

Planet Fitness

Yogativiti

Tranquility Mind & Body Wellness Spa

The Edge Fitness Clubs

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.