Bridgeport, West Virginia 2025

Bridgeport is a city in Harrison County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 8,149 at the 2020 census.

Bridgeport was chartered in 1816 and incorporated in 1861. The city is situated in the northern part of West Virginia, approximately 15 miles (24 km) west of Morgantown. Bridgeport is known for its friendly people, delicious food, unique shops, and rich history.

POPULATION

As of the census of 2010, there were 7,376 people residing in the city. There were 3,154 housing units. The racial makeup of the city was 94.9% White, 3.5% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.6 Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.3% of the population.

History

In 1803, the city was established as a river port on the Monongahela River. The town prospered as a transportation hub in the 1800s. At that period, Bridgeport produced railroad cars, railroad coal, and glass.

CULTURE

The city hosts annual events like the Bridgeport Fall Festival, Christmas in the Country Celebration, Light-Up Night, and Fourth of July Celebration. The city's historic homes and buildings can be seen on a self-guided walking tour that includes 21 stops. Bridgeport is also home to the Bridgeport Conference and Reunion Center and the Bridgeport Exhibition Hall.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

The Benedum Civic Center, built by Michael Benedum, serves as the city's social center. The Harely O. Warden Jr. Park is a 110-acre park that features baseball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, and a picnic pavilion. The park also has a paved walking path that connects to the adjacent Bridgeport City Park. The Warden Park hosts the annual Bridgeport Fall Festival, held in September, and the Christmas in the Country Celebration, held in December.

The city also boasts the Bridgeport Exhibition Hall, an exhibition center located next to the Benedum Civic Center. The Exhibition Hall hosts several events like weddings, conferences, trade shows, and more.

FOODS

When in Bridgeport, expect to enjoy some of the local dishes which include the hot dog, chili dogs, slaw dogs, doughnuts, sauerkraut, desserts and pizza. Remember to enjoy their local beverages like Italian beer, wine, mimosa, champagne, fresh squeezed orange juice and lemonade.

PEOPLE

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.41 square miles, of which 3.32 square miles are land and 0.09 square miles are water. The city is situated at an altitude of 1,398 feet above sea level.

HISTORY

Bridgeport was chartered in 1816 and incorporated in 1861. The town was originally called "Bridgeport" because of the bridge built across the Monongahela River, connecting it to the nearby town of Monongah. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad arrived in 1857, and Bridgeport became a major transportation hub. The town prospered during the late 19th century, producing railroad cars, railroad coal, and glass.

Many Scots-Irish and German settlers came to Bridgeport, as well as many European immigrants. The town developed as a commercial center, and retail stores lined the streets. The local paper, the Bridgeport Independent, was published weekly beginning in 1875. The town had a Carnegie library, an opera house, and a city band that played concerts in the park. Several coal mines operated in and around Bridgeport in the early 20th century.

Note that the information provided on Bridgeport, West Virginia, is a summary of available data from various sources. It is subject to change, and additions or modifications can be made as more recent data or information becomes available.