Bridgeport (Images of America)

A truly unique hamlet, Bridgeport lies in both the towns of Cicero, in Onondaga County, and Sullivan, in Madison County. It is divided only by Chittenango Creek, which was the main attraction for settlement in the early years. Farms developed on the shores of Oneida Lake and the creek, while small industries sprang up in the hamlet near the creek rapids and along what later became Route 31. These businesses evolved to support the needs of the area. On the west side of the creek were a sawmill, which provided lumber for homes, and a tannery, which made leather for harnesses, boots, and shoes. On the east side, a blacksmith shop repaired wagons and shoed horses, while a cooper made barrels among other blossoming businesses. When a bridge and dam were built as a power supply, the hamlet was aptly named Bridgeport.