Danbury, Connecticut

Danbury is located in southwest Connecticut, 57 miles (92 kilometers) southwest of the state capital, Hartford, and 68 miles (109 kilometers) north of New York City. The city is home to 74,848 residents, and is part of Fairfield County.

The city of Danbury has a long and colorful history. The area was first settled by colonists in 1685, who chose to name their new home "Swampfield." Fortunately, the general court changed the name to "Danbury" in 1687, and it has remained ever since. Danbury was an important military depot during the American Revolution. American General David Wooster died while defending the town, and an enormous monument commemorating his deeds can be seen in Wooster Cemetery. In April 1777, Danbury and neighboring communities were burned and looted by British Major General William Tryon. The town was subsequently rebuilt, and today the motto on the Seal of the City reads Restituimus, Latin for "We have restored." In 1852, the first railroad line opened, and on April 19, 1889, Danbury was officially incorporated as a city.

To learn more about the fascinating history of the city, visit the Danbury Museum and Historical Society. Attractions include the historic 1785 Rider House, and the circa 1790 John Dodd Hat Shop. Visitors can also see the former home of composer Charles Ives, a one-room schoolhouse, and a variety of period artifacts and exhibits. Another great attraction is the Danbury Railway Museum, which offers railroad history, rides aboard the train, and even some hands-on railroad work! Moving forward in time, visit the Military Museum of Southern New England to see an extensive collection of anti-tank weapons and World War II military vehicles.

For some art history, take a trip to the Weir Farm National Historic Site. American Impressionist painter J. Alden Weir (1852–1919) summered here for 37 years, and visitors are invited to explore the rolling hills and peaceful pastures that inspired Weir and generations of future artists. New art is still being produced on-site, with the Weir Farm Art Center offering an artist-in-residence program for professional artists, and children's art classes to encourage budding talent.

To experience Danbury's current arts and culture scene, check out the many events organized by the Richter Association for the Arts, which include arts festivals, lectures, multicultural performances, classical and popular music, and the prestigious Annual Juried Art Show. For those seeking a regular art fix, the Wooster Community Art Center offers visual art classes and monthly exhibits. On the music front, the Charles Ives Center for the Arts presents a variety of musical concerts, and the Danbury Music Center houses the Danbury Symphony, Community Orchestra, Preparatory String Orchestra, and Concert Chorus. Looking for a great play? Check out the Danbury Theatre Company, or the Berkshire Theatre on the Western Connecticut State University campus. Danbury is also home to Musicals at Richter, the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut.

Plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation can be found in Danbury. One popular site is Tarrywile Park and Mansion, which offers 21 miles (34 kilometers) of hiking trails, nature workshops, a historic Victorian mansion, and 654 acres (264 hectares) of grounds to explore. This is also the site of the beautiful Richter Park Golf Course. For a relaxing afternoon, spend some time picnicking at Danbury Candlewood Park, or go swimming and boating on Candlewood Lake, the largest lake in the state. Other great destinations include the Old Quarry Nature Center, and Bear Mountain State Park in New York State.

With a vibrant arts scene and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, life is good in Danbury, Connecticut!

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