Danbury, Connecticut

Danbury is a city located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, USA.

History

Danbury was first settled in 1685, when eight families moved to the area from the area that is now Norwalk and Stamford. The area was then called Paquiaqe by the native Paquioque Indians. The settlers originally chose the name Swampfield for their town, but in October 1687, the general court decreed the name Danbury.

Related Topics:
1685 - Norwalk - Stamford - Paquioque - Indians - 1687

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During the American Revolution, Danbury was an important military depot. In April 1777, the British under Major General William Tryon burned and looted the entire city, along with Fairfield and Norwalk. American General David Wooster was killed defending the city. The central motto on the Seal of the City of Danbury is Restituimus (Latin for "We have restored") a reference to the destruction caused by the British army.

Related Topics:
American Revolution - 1777 - William Tryon - Fairfield - Norwalk - David Wooster - Latin

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The first Danbury Fair was held in 1821. By 1869, it became a yearly event, and was held until 1981.

Related Topics:
Danbury Fair - 1821 - 1869 - 1981

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In 1835, the Connecticut Legislature granted a rail charter to the "Fairfield County Railroad." By 1850, no work had been completed and investment was slow, so the organization's vast plans were scaled back. Renaming itself "Danbury & Norwalk Railroad," work began quickly on the 23-mile railroad line. In 1852, the first Railroad line in Danbury opened, with two trains making the 75-minute trip to Norwalk.

Related Topics:
1835 - 1850 - 1852

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The city of Danbury was incorporated 19 April, 1889.

Related Topics:
19 April - 1889

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In 1902, the American Federation of Labor union called for a nationwide boycott of a non-union hat manufacturer, Dietrich Loewe, in Danbury. The manufacturer sued the union under the Sherman Antitrust Act for unlawfully restraining trade. The Supreme Court held that the union was liable for damages in 1908.

Related Topics:
1902 - American Federation of Labor - Sherman Antitrust Act - 1908

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A 60 acre (243,000 m²) tract near the Danbury Fairgrounds known as Tucker's Field was purchased by local pilots in 1928, and leased to the town. This became an airport, which is now Danbury Municipal Airport (ICAO airport code: KDXR).

Related Topics:
1928 - Danbury Municipal Airport - ICAO airport code

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Connecticut's largest lake, Candlewood Lake, was artificially created in 1929 where Wood Creek and the Rocky River meet near the Housatonic River. The lake is operated as a hydroelectric power facility by the Connecticut Light and Power Company.

Related Topics:
Connecticut - Candlewood Lake - 1929 - Housatonic River - Hydroelectric

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Danbury was voted #1 City to live in by Money Magazine in August 1988 mostly due to low crime, good schools and location.

Related Topics:
Money Magazine - 1988

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