Danbury in Fairfield County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Danbury
Eight families came from Norwalk in 1685 to settle this area which the Indians called Pahquioque. They built their first homes a half mile south of here and made this green their common. The General Court in October 1687 decreed the name “Danbury” although the settlers had chosen “Swampfield.” Beans and other crops helped make Danbury an inland trading center by 1750 with a population of two thousand.
At the start of the American Revolution this town became a hospital and supply base. General Tyron led a British force of two thousand in a raid on Danbury on April 26 – 27, 1777. Three young men, one a Negro, died in defense of the town near the north end of the green. The British burned nineteen houses, a church, twenty-two barns and many supplies.
General David Wooster, commanding the American forces which set upon the British, was wounded at Ridgefield and died and was buried here. The street to the west bears his name.
Hat making became Danbury’s foremost industry after independence. Until the 1950’s, Danbury was known as the Hat City of the World. Charles Ives, famed American composer, was born here in 1874. His birthplace has been preserved by the Danbury Scott – Fanton Museum and Historical Society.
Erected 1974 by City of Danbury, Connecticut Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1832.
Location. 41° 23.439′ N, 73° 26.898′ W. Marker is in Danbury, Connecticut, in Fairfield County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Wooster Street, on the left when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Danbury CT 06810, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Danbury Court House (a few steps from this marker); The Circus Comes to Town (within shouting distance of this marker); The Danbury Raid (within shouting distance of this marker); Schools and Education (within shouting distance of this marker); Danbury 9-11 Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Oldest Cemetery 1684 (within shouting distance of this marker); Elmwood Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Industrial Strength Danbury (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danbury.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2009, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 2,478 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 29, 2009, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.