Danbury, CT and America at 250 — From Patriots to Progress

Danbury: A Symbol of Innovation and Resilience in American History

Danbury’s place in American history is both dramatic and deeply symbolic. Known as the “Hat City,” this Connecticut town played a strategic role during the Revolutionary War and has remained an emblem of American innovation and resilience ever since.

From Destruction to Industry: Danbury's Resilient Transformation

In 1777, British troops raided Danbury to destroy Continental Army supplies—an attack that inspired broader American resistance. Danbury’s citizens rebuilt with determination, and over time, the city became an industrial powerhouse, leading the nation in hat production throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Danbury's Role in Shaping the First Amendment's Church-State Separation

Danbury also holds a unique place in First Amendment history: it was a letter from the Danbury Baptist Association to President Thomas Jefferson that led to Jefferson’s famous “wall of separation between church and state.”

Danbury: A Living Legacy of American Ideals

Today, Danbury’s diverse population and vibrant civic life continue to reflect the ideals of liberty, faith, and opportunity. As we celebrate 250 years of America, Danbury reminds us that freedom is not just a founding principle—it’s a legacy shaped every day by ordinary citizens with extraordinary resolve.