The Perry Memorial Arch in Bridgeport, CT Is a Tribute to a Sewing Machine Kingpin

The Perry Memorial Arch stands 60 feet tall at the entrance to Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Designed by Henry Bacon, the architect of the Lincoln Memorial, it honors industrialist and philanthropist William H. Perry.

Perry, once superintendent of Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing, was a major figure in Bridgeport’s growth. After his death, his widow, Catherine B. Perry, commissioned the arch in 1918 as a tribute. It serves as a grand entryway to Seaside Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Modeled after classical triumphal arches, the structure is built from granite and limestone with intricate carvings and inscriptions reflecting Bridgeport’s history. Over the years, exposure to the elements has caused significant damage, with weathering and erosion threatening its stability.

To address this, the Bridgeport City Council secured a $500,000 National Park Service grant, adding it to a $1.18 million municipal match for a $1.68 million restoration. Repairs will focus on structural stability, stonework restoration, and preserving the arch’s historical details.

Despite its deterioration, the Perry Memorial Arch remains a key landmark. Its restoration ensures that it continues to honor Perry’s legacy and Bridgeport’s history for future generations.