Waterford, Connecticut

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Waterford, Connecticut
settlement_type = Town


imagesize =
image_caption =


mapsize =
map_caption =


mapsize1 =
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mapsize = 250x200px
map_caption = Location in Connecticut
subdivision_type = NECTA
subdivision_name = Norwich-New London
subdivision_type1 = Region
subdivision_name1 = Southeastern Connecticut
subdivision_type2 =
subdivision_name2 =
government_type = Representative town meeting
leader_title = First selectman
leader_name = Daniel M. Steward
leader_title1 = Town meeting moderator
leader_name1 = Sharon M. Palmer
established_title = Incorporated
established_date = 1801
area_water_km2 = 30.1
area_total_sq_mi = 44.4
area_magnitude =
area_total_km2 = 115.0
area_land_sq_mi = 32.8
area_land_km2 = 85.0
population_as_of = 2005
population_total = 18940
population_footnotes = [ [http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/files/SUB-EST2005_9.csv U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates] ]
population_density_sq_mi = 577
population_density_km2 = 223
timezone = Eastern
utc_offset = -5
timezone_DST = Eastern
utc_offset_DST = -4
area_water_sq_mi = 11.6
elevation_m = 14
elevation_ft = 46
latd = 41 |latm = 20 |lats = 59 |latNS = N
longd = 72 |longm = 08 |longs = 49 |longEW = W
postal_code_type = ZIP code
postal_code = 06375, 06385
region =
website = http://www.waterfordct.org/
area_code = 860
blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 09-80280
blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
blank1_info = 0213526
footnotes =

Waterford is a town in New London County, Connecticut, United States. It is named after Waterford, Ireland. The population was 19,152 at the 2000 census.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 44.4 square miles (115.0 km²), of which, 32.8 square miles (84.8 km²) of it is land and 11.6 square miles (30.1 km²) of it (26.22%) is water.

Demographics

This town consists of a wide variety of rural and city living. Many residents live in apartments as well. As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 19,152 people, 7,542 households, and 5,219 families residing in the town. The population density was 584.7 people per square mile (225.8/km²). There were 7,986 housing units at an average density of 243.8/sq mi (94.2/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 92.41% White, 2.22% African American, 0.48% Native American, 2.51% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.74% from other races, and 1.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.40% of the population.

There were 7,542 households out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 26.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the town the population was spread out with 21.9% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 19.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 92.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $56,047, and the median income for a family was $65,659. Males had a median income of $47,312 versus $32,046 for females. The per capita income for the town was $26,807. About 2.1% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.7% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.

Famous Past and Current Residents

*MLB player/manager Billy Gardner
*Actor Jesse Metcalfe grew up in Waterford.
*Actress Audrey Meadows of the Honeymooners

Economy

Waterford's economic center is predominantly retail chains, including a variety of mini malls and the Crystal Mall. There are several family-owned delicatessens and restaurants. It is also home to Dominion's Millstone Nuclear Power Plant. It is a popular tourist area. Millstone consists of three reactors, the first built between 1966 and 1970. While Millstone's first reactor is no longer in operation, the remaining two still provide power to a variety of towns in New England. Also, Pfizer Global Research and Development is located in New London (Waterford's neighboring town), and many people from Waterford work there.

Attractions

* The Connecticut College Arboretum is a convert|750|acre|km2|sing=on arboretum and botanical garden which lies partially within Quaker Hill Village, a district of Waterford.
* The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center is also located in Waterford. O'Neill was a famous playwright. The theater is now a historical location of Waterford.
* Waterford Beach
* Harkness State Memorial Park is a recreational area that provides a picturesque view of Long Island Sound. It was founded by Edward Harkness in 1907, after the purchase of his mansion, known today as Eolia. Activities include fishing, formal gardening, golf, and tours of the mansion. There is also a summer school located at this park for the mentally disabled. The Harkness estate is also open for formal occasions including weddings, and is often used for group photography.
* The Waterford Speedbowl is a racetrack recognized under NASCAR’s Whelen All-American Series, and holds touring events throughout the year including the True Value Modified Series, International Super Modified Association, and North Eastern Midget Association. The track formerly held events sanctioned by the Whelen Modified Tour and the Busch East series. It is usually open every Saturday and includes events such as burnout contests and car shows.cite web| url = http://www.speedbowl.com/speedpages/history.html | title = History of the Track | accessdate = 2006-11-07]

External links

* [http://www.waterfordct.org/ Town government Web site]
* [http://www.tourism.state.ct.us/tourism_regions/default.asp?region=mysticcountry Mystic Country: The Eastern Regional Tourism District]

References