To understand the scope of the historical significance of Danbury, we must first journey back to the late 17th century. That’s when Danbury began with the Main Street, established by the first eight families out of Norwalk. Of course, back then it was called Town Street and the success of the establishment led to the growth of the settlement. However, history was not entirely kind to Danbury and it saw its share of war and tragedy.

However, much like the phoenix, Danbury has risen from the ashes time and time again and is revered not just for its history but its perseverance. If you would like to know more about the history of this fascinating place, you really need to see it for yourself. However, like I said, be sure to have all your affairs in order before you come down. There is so much to learn and absorb and one can really lose themselves in it.

In 1777 the settlement faced ruin in the Revolutionary War. After a burning by British solders the community rebuilt. The seal-s motto proclaims in Latin: “Restituimus,’ (we are restored) in the shield-s cross sash. Like the depicted Egyptian Phoenix, the community rose again from a royal crown of fire. The Phoenix carries the banner “Perege Modo’ declaring: “always forward!’

Wooster Monument recalls the mortal sacrifice of the revolutionary patriot David Wooster.

With the coming of the railroad in 1852 the settlement-s established hat manufacturing industry was boosted. A derby hat and locomotive are symbolized in celebration of local commerce.

Disaster struck the area in 1869 when the local reservoir failed. In commemoration, Elmwood Park is pictured standing against the flood below.

Located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Danbury has grown from a frontier settlement into a city of 80,000. Early settlement leaders chose the name of the area after their township in England. The city-s reputation as a manufacturing center for hats earned the nickname “Hat City.’The information party rocks on: Zandri’s Martial Arts Donates Car Full Of Toys To Danbury Welfare Department

Elmwood Park has been in that same spot since the Revolution when the streets of Main and South became the southern border for the town of Danbury. Elmwood Park originally served as the towns green. This important meeting place for the town held such events as the militia drill exercises as well as the gathering place to hear politicians and later after the election the town could find out the results.

By the late Eighties however the park was in a terrible state of disrepair and neglect. Instead of being a delight on Main Street it had become an eyesore. A renovation was done to bring the 1.5 acre park back to its former glory. Since Elmwood Park is separated in two by Wooster street causing it to have two unequal strips. The smaller strip has the 911 memorial while the bigger strip is where the fountain and many seating areas are found.

Danbury offered abundant water, transportation, animal furs, and plentiful labor. In 1787, a Danbury manufacturer hired an English hatter to train apprentices to open their own shops. By the early 19th century, there were 50 hat shops in Danbury. In 1887, 56 different hat factories produced five million hats. In 1909, Danbury hat factories produced 36 million hats a year.

Danbury hats included cowboy hats, fedoras, and top hats. These hats were made by hand and the most popular hat produced was a tall beaver felt stovepipe. Danbury hats became prized possessions and remained a family heirloom for generations. From 1950 to 1960, the popularity of the hat declined and Danbury hat factories moved away.

Once the British entered Danbury they burned homes, barns, stores as well as food and clothing. After some historical study scholars believe that the destruction of these building and supplies were done selectively and not at random. While in Danbury the troops became intoxicated and were in roughly the same state the next morning.

On April 27, 1777 General David Wooster lead a small force in an attempt to capture the British before they moved on. Using their knowledge of the local woods they captured 40 British soldiers. Their second attack came a few hours later. Tyron’s men were ready for them and a scuttle broke out. Wooster was shot in the back by a musket which would prove to be a fatal shot. The British continued their escape from Danbury.