The Stepney 1801 Bridgeport/Newtown Turnpike, the forerunner of CT Route 25, had five toll stations along the road. Travelers were stopped by a pole, or "pike," across the road attached to a base, and after paying a few cents toll the attendant turned the pike to let them continue, giving the road the name "turnpike." This route was a catalyst for Stepney’s commercial growth and for moving goods from Bridgeport to Danbury.