Ash Creek (Connecticut)

Ash Creek is a tidal creek and intertidal wetland in Fairfield County, Connecticut that serves as a border between the city of Bridgeport and the town of Fairfield. It is the last salt water estuary in the area, extending from Long Island Sound and up the Rooster River.[1]

History

The area was known on colonial maps as the Uncoway or Fairfield River. Ash Creek has served as Fairfield's main harbor since the founding of the town in 1639.[2]

The name Ash Creek was given to the body of water after Fairfield Center was burned to the ground by the British during the Revolutionary War. Due to wind direction that day a majority of the ashes were deposited in "Ash Creek."

Memorial plaque

The Arthur Gruhn Memorial Cable Crossing plaque was erected on Connecticut Route 130 at the Bridgeport-Fairfield town line on March 24, 2009. It is in recognition of ConnDOT Chief Engineer Gruhn's work by Connecticut Light & Power and the United Illuminating Company for his work allowing for the Middletown-Norwalk transmission line upgrade.[3] Engineer Gruhn's work provided for a practical electric system upgrade while environmentally preserving Ash Creek.[4]

Public use and preservation area

The town of Fairfield began accumulating land in 1931[5] for Ash Creek Open Space, which includes a public access (handicap accessible) boat launch at the mouth of the river. Fishing, crabbing, picnicking, walking trails, and other activities are permitted.[6] The preservation area is approximately 40 acres (160,000 m2) in size.[7]

Other uses

Ash Creek had a namesake restaurant in Black Rock, called the Ash Creek Saloon.

References
  1. "Ash Creek Conservation Association". Archived from the original on 2008-08-29. Retrieved 2008-08-31.
  2. "Friends of Open Space". Archived from the original on 2011-07-13. Retrieved 2010-06-15.
  3. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-07-14. Retrieved 2010-07-12.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. http://www.ct.gov/csc/lib/csc/2004-5-25_dot_prefiled_testimony.pdf
  5. "Friends of Open Space". Archived from the original on 2011-07-13. Retrieved 2010-06-15.
  6. "Connecticut Coastal Access Guide - Ash Creek Open Space". Archived from the original on 2010-06-23. Retrieved 2010-06-15.
  7. "Open Space Program for the Town of Fairfield, Connecticut". Archived from the original on 2014-02-09. Retrieved 2010-06-15.
  • Ash Creek north of Route 130.
  • Arthur Gruhn Memorial Cable Crossing plaque

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