Danbury

Danbury Connecticut first known as Swampfield was changed to Danbury in October of 1687. In 1685, the land was purchased from the Pahquioque Indians by two brothers Samuel and James Benedict along with Judah Gregory and James Beebe. Danbury is located in Fairfield County, Housatonic Valley, which is actually a region of both Connecticut and New York. This area is drained through the Housatonic River drainage area. Danbury first incorporated as a town in 1702 and became a city in 1889. The local environs became a part of the city in 1965. Danbury is nicknamed Hat city, at one time, it manufactured about twenty-five percent of the hats in America. The official seal for the city has the word Restituimus centered in the middle, which translates to we have restored in Latin. This came about because Major general William Tryon destroyed the city; in remembrance of this destruction, the motto was adopted. Candlewood Lake was developed in 1929 near the Housatonic River where Wood Creek and Rocky River converges. The Connecticut Light and Power Company use the lake to generate power. Overlooking the lake is Candlewood Park with a boat ramp, a designated swimming area and a great place for family picnics. Danbury also has a 23-mile railroad line, which first opened in 1852. Two trains make the 75-minute trip from Danbury to Norwalk. Another great place in Danbury is the Old Quarry Nature Center with two unique interpretive trails located on thirty-nine acres just off Mountainville Avenue. Many weddings have been held in the beautiful gardens of the Historic Victorian Tarrywile Mansion and park. The Tarrywile Park is one of Danbury's most visited parks comprising of eight hundred acres with twenty-eight miles of trails and picturesque ponds. Danbury has something for everyone; from wonderful museums to its exciting history including the Federal Prison where Martha Steward served her sentence. Danbury is a great place to live or vacation spot.