Even though the Merritt Parkway was originally built to relieve traffic congestion, proponents were confident that “This great highway is not being constructed primarily for rapid transit but for pleasant transit. Fairfield County is fortunate in having such beautiful back country and it is our great duty to see that these beauties are preserved.” The Parkway paralleled the Boston Post Road, the most traveled route between New England and New York, which had become not only the most critical commercial corridor, but also the major visitor route. As the “Gateway to New England” it was the route taken by a stream of cars and buses headed for coastal resort communities. It was thought that visitors would want to drive the more scenic route on their way to their vacation experiences. When you travel the Parkway, you can visit the Merritt Parkway Museum to learn the whole story of this beautiful road, located in space that was generously donated by Parkway supporters. Archives, photos and a 30-minute video describing the early challenges of building the Merritt are on display. The Sikorsky Estuary Walk, a bicycle/pedestrian path features interpretive signage on the river, flora and fauna is across the street from the museum. The bridge spanning the Housatonic River between Stratford and Milford offer stunning river views.
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Website: www.merrittparkway.org