Opening on December 25, 1848, the Saugatuck stop on the New Haven Railroad Line flipped Westport’s center of gravity from riverboats to rail. Freight and passengers could move faster and farther, tying local farms, oyster houses, and workshops to New York markets and daily commuters. A rail-side village quickly gathered at the foot of the Saugatuck River bridge with depots, warehouses, boarding houses, and small groceries establishing the area first. These were later joined by waves of new residents who created neighborhoods within walking distance of the platforms.
Today, the station remains a major hub with frequent service to New Haven and Grand Central. The surrounding district has evolved into a lively neighborhood that weekday commuters, weekend beachgoers, and visitors all step into town.
