The Merritt Parkway - Connecticut's National Historic Road

This Exhibit: | View Digital Collections | Resources and Links |

Background

• > Introduction
• The Story of the Merritt Parkway
• Authorization and Funding
• Key People

Controversy and Scandal

• Hurley Report
• MacDonald Report

The Merritt Parkway Opens

• Opening Ceremonies
• The Preservation Campaign

About this Exhibit

To learn the story of the Merritt Parkway, select from the list of topics above.

To view digital images of materials included in this exhibit, choose the "View Digital Collections," link near the top of the page.

Introduction

June 29, 2008 marks the 70^th anniversary of the opening of the first 17 miles of the Merritt Parkway.   It was the largest public works project in Connecticut up to that time, costing $21 million, and it was the first multi-lane median divided highway in Connecticut.  The new road would link New York's Hutchinson Parkway with towns in Fairfield County, and in the minds of many residents, it opened up the Connecticut suburbs to those who could afford a car and gas to go for a Sunday drive.

This online exhibit uses sources found in the Connecticut State Library, (especially in the State Archives), including photographs, reports, and documents that relate to the story behind Connecticut's Most Scenic Road.

Exhibit prepared by the History & Genealogy Unit, June 2008