In 1639, the Reverend Adam Blakeman and his small congregation settled on the north shore of Long Island Sound at a spot known to the Native American tribes who spent their summers there as Cupheag. Over the past 360 years, the town has experienced tremendous growth and progress. Although Stratford covers only 19 square miles, the town is home to over 50,000 residents. Before the 20th-century manufacturing boom, the lifestyles of Stratford citizens centered on river and shoreline activities and agriculture. With the development of next-door Bridgeport (once part of Stratford) as an industrial center in the late 19th century, Stratford became a suburban recreation area; as large farms were divided into small house lots, individual property owners moved in and housing developments sprang up throughout.