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flag  History of Derby, Connecticut, USA

Journey back in time to Derby, Connecticut, USA

Visit Derby, Connecticut, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.

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Derby, Connecticut, USA - City Hall

Derby, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

In 1819, the first industrial training school was established in Derby by Josiah Holbrook.

Derby is Connecticut's smallest town. courant.com

Derby is known for its scenic beauty, with the Housatonic River running through it, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking.

Historically, Derby was a hub for manufacturing, particularly in the areas of textiles, metalworking, and electronics. While the industrial landscape has changed over the years, the city still maintains a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas.

In terms of cultural attractions, Derby has museums, historic sites, and landmarks that showcase its heritage and significance in American history. The Osborne Homestead Museum, located in Derby, is the former residence of a prominent industrialist and is now a museum open to the public.

There is MUCH more to discover about Derby, Connecticut, USA. Read on!

Derby Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards


Derby, Connecticut, USA

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City Hall

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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St. Mary's Church, Convent and School

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Town Pump

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Public Library, 1907

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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M.E. Church and Soldiers Monument, 1907

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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R.R. Station, 1907

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Unitarian Church at Atwater Ave., 1907

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Sterling Piano Factory, Derby, Conn.
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Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Franklin School, 1908

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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High School, 1909

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Derby Junction, Conn. Trolley Terminus, 1909

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Elizabeth Street, 1909

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Bridge over Housatonic River

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Home Trust Co. & Burmingham Nat'l Bank, Main St.

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Naugatuck River and Bridge

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Seymore Avenue

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Old Town Well

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Bird's Eye View from R. R. Bridge, Derby, Conn.
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Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Bassett House, 1911

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Main Street, 1911

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Elizabeth Street, 1912

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Main Street, 1912

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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First Congregational Church, 1913

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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The Griffin Hospital

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Bird's Eye View, showing Canal and Derby Paper Factory, Derby, Conn.
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Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Clark Hotel, and Theatre

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Main Street

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Main Street, Looking East

Derby, Connecticut, USA

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Second Congregational Church

Discover Derby: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Add informationAdd History/News/Story
  • 1675 - (Derby, CT) Settled as a Native American trading post in 1654, it was named after Derby, England, in 1675.

    connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ derby/
  • 1681 First water-powered grist mill opened in Derby

    connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ derby/
  • 1819 - Derby
    Derby, an ancient commercial post town, is situated upon the eastern side of the Ousatonick river, 12 miles from its mouth, at the head of navigation; 9 miles northwest from New-Haven, and 38 southwest from Hartford; bounded on the north by Oxford, on the east by Woodbridge, on the south by Milford, on the southwest by the Ousatonick river, which separates it from Huntington, in Fairfield county, and on the west by a part of Oxford. Its mean length is about 5 & a half miles, and its mean breadth 4 and a half, comprising an area of about 25 square miles. The surface is undulating, being pleasantly diversified with hills and dales. Upon the borders of the Ousatonick & Naugatuck, there are some fine tracts of alluvial. The prevailing soil is a gravelly loam; some sandy loam, and some small sections of calcareous loam. There are considerable forest lands in the township, and quantities of wood and timber are exported to the city of New-York...
    A Gazetteer of the States of Connecticut and Rhode-Island: Written with Care and Impartiality, from Original and Authentic Materials : Consisting of Two Parts ... with an Accurate and Improved Map of Each State Authors John Chauncey Pease, John Milton Niles Publisher W.S. Marsh, 1819
  • 1819 - First industrial training school, established by Josiah Holbrook in Derby

    www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ connecticut.html
  • 1833 – A family of Bethany Indians resettled in Derby by the selectmen is wiped out by smallpox; there are in all six men, three squaws, and three children; only the children survive the epidemic.
    The family, named Mack, support themselves by making baskets and by hunting. They are among the last survivors of the Paugusset Indians living in the area.
    www.bethany-ct.com/ historicalSociety/ bhs-facts.htm
  • 1839 - Derby
    Derby, Connecticut
    New Haven county. The Indian name of this town was Paugasset. It was purchased of the Indians, and incorporated in 1675. The surface of the town is uneven, with some fertile meadow on the banks of the rivers. Derby is watered by the Housatonick and Naugatuck rivers. Derby Landing, Smithville, and Humpherysville, are the principal places of business.

    The Landing is on the east side of the Housatonick, just below the junction of that river with the Naugatuck, and is 8 miles N.W. from New Haven, and 14 from the mouth of the river at Stratford on Long Island Sound. Vessels of 10 feet draught of water can pass to the Landing, from which wood and other commodities are transported by water.

    Smithville is located in view of the Landing, and commands a beautiful prospect. It has extensive manufactures of copper, in sheets and wire, augurs, carriage springs and axletrees, and other operations by the waters of the Naugatuck, passing through a canal of about a mile in... Read MORE...

  • 1854 - Derby
    Debby, a post-township of New Haven county, Connecticut, 10 miles W. by N. from New Haven, on the E. Bide of Housatonic river. Population, 3824. The village of Derby is situated at the junction of the Naugatuck and Housatonic rivers, and on the Naugatuck railroad.
    A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
  • 1859
    DERBY, a township of New Haven co., in the state of Connecticut, 44 m. SW of Hartford, watered by the Housatonic and Naugatuck rivers. The surface is hilly, but the soil possesses considerable fertility. The harbour is capable of receiving vessels of 80 tons, but they are chiefly those belonging to the coasting trade. Pop. 2,851. The principal village is situated near the junction of the Nangatuck and Housatonic rivers, 12 m. from the Sound.
    A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859
  • 1870 - Housatonic Dam opened in Derby

    connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ derby/
  • News  1882 - HIGH WATER AT DERBY. The Scene at the Ousatonic Dam - Freshets of Past Years.
    BIRMINGHAM, Sept. 25.- The steady down pour of rain during Saturday, both day and night, caused the Ousatonic and Naugatuck rivers to rise to the height of 11 feet 6 ½ inches above low water mark making the third freshet at this season in twenty-five years, the other two having occurred October 4th, 1869, when the water was at the height of 16 feet, and August 19th, 1875, the water rising 11 feet 6 inches. It will be remembered that the October freshet is also the date that the dam gave way and caused such consternation in Derby. On November 3d, 1853, the water reached 17 feet 7 inches and swept away the Ansonia bridge that was constructed but two years before. A good many people were on the bridge at the time, among whom were two lovers, George Allen and Georgisus Bartholomew. All got off the bridge in time to save their lives but the two last mentioned, and they went down amidst the broken timbers of the bridge, and were carried to a small island some yards below, where they clung... Read MORE...

  • 1895 - Derby
    Derby, a village of New Haven co., Conn., in Derby township, on the Housatonic River, at the mouth of the Naugatuck River, and on the Naugatuck and New Haven & Derby Railroads, 9 miles W. of New Haven, and 13 miles N.E. of Bridgeport. A bridge across the Naugatuck River connects Derby with Birmingham, which is in Derby town ship. Here are manufactures of brass, iron, paper, pins, spectacles, &c. The township contains 2 national banks, 2 savings-banks, 2 newspaper offices, 9 churches, and 3 graded schools. Pop. of village, about 2000; of the township in 1890, including Birmingham, 5969.
    Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
  • News  1908 - SPEEDING MOGUL BLOWS UP.
    Trainmen Hurt, Locomotive and Cars Wrecked, and Tracks Torn Up.
    Special to The New York Times.

    DERBY, Conn., April 9. - When making a trip from Bridgeport to Waterbury early to-day over the tracks of the New York, Hew Haven & Hartford Railroad, Freight Engine 468 of the mogul type, blew up at Wheeler's Farms, three miles below Derby. The engine was drawing a train of thirty-five loaded cars, and the three forward cars were destroyed.

    Some of the trainment[sic] jumped, and one of them, James Templeton, a brakeman of New Haven, suffered a fractured skull. Harry W. Kowe, the fireman, of Winsted, although badly scalded about the back and suffering extreme pain, walked from the scene of the accident to Naugatuck Junction, from which place he was taken to the hospital at Bridgeport. Frank Gilbert, engineers of Waterbury, was scalded about the hands.

    The locomotive was completely wrecked, and the debris strewn about over the tracks, while the roadbed was also torn up for some... Read MORE...

  • 1916
    Derby, der'be, a banking city of New Haven co., Conn., in Derby township (town), on the Housatonic River, at the month of the Naugatuck River, and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 9 miles W. of New Haven. A bridge across the Nangatuck River connects Derby with Birmingham. Here are manufactures of brass, iron, paper, pins, guns and ammunition, type-writers, pianos, woollens, etc. The town is coextensive with the city. Pop. in 1900, 7930.
    Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

  • 2023 - Whether you're a local looking for new adventures or a visitor passing through, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Derby and the surrounding area:
    Osbornedale State Park: This beautiful state park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can enjoy hiking trails, picnicking areas, and even visit the Osborne Homestead Museum, a historic mansion located within the park.

    Seymour Land Trust: If you're a nature enthusiast, you'll love exploring the Seymour Land Trust's various hiking trails. It's a great place for birdwatching, photography, and getting in touch with the natural beauty of the area.

    Indian Well State Park: Just a short drive from Derby, this state park is a favorite spot for swimming, picnicking, and fishing. The park's namesake, the "Indian Well," is a waterfall and rock formation worth seeing.

    Griffin Hospital Nature Trail: This nature trail is perfect for a leisurely walk or jog. It's a hidden gem that's popular among locals for its peaceful surroundings.

    Ansonia Nature Center: Located nearby in Ansonia, this nature center is a great place for families. They offer... Read MORE...

Discover Your Roots: Derby Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Derby, Connecticut, USA

We currently have information about ancestors who were born or died in Derby.

View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)



male ancestorEdward WOOSTER (1622, , England (United Kingdom) - 8 July 1689, Derby, Connecticut, USA)
female ancestorTabitha TOMLINSON (1645, Derby, Connecticut, USA - 1691, Derby, Connecticut, USA)
female ancestorAbigail HOLBROOK (21 May 1648, Long Island City, New York, USA - 1681, Derby, Connecticut, USA)
male ancestorJoseph HAWKINS (14 February 1669, Derby, Connecticut, USA - 21 April 1732, Stratford, Connecticut, USA (Putney))
male ancestorTimothy WOOSTER (12 November 1670, Derby, Connecticut, USA - , )
male ancestorJohn RIGGS (1 April 1676, Derby, Connecticut, USA - 24 September 1755, Derby, Connecticut, USA)
female ancestorAnna PERRY (22 January 1678, Stratford, Connecticut, USA (Putney) - 1717, Derby, Connecticut, USA)
female ancestorElizabeth TOMLINSON (11 August 1684, Derby, Connecticut, USA - 17 April 1747, Derby, Connecticut, USA)
female ancestorRebecca HOTCHKISS (14 February 1697, New Haven, Connecticut, USA (Westville) - 23 January 1762, Derby, Connecticut, USA)

Ancestors Who Were Married in Derby, Connecticut, USA

We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Derby.

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male ancestorJoseph HAWKINS (3 April 1642 - 12 October 1682) and female ancestorAbigail HOLBROOK (21 May 1648 - 1681) married 8 April 1668
male ancestorJohn RIGGS (1 April 1676 - 24 September 1755) and female ancestorElizabeth TOMLINSON (11 August 1684 - 17 April 1747) married 23 February 1700
male ancestorJohn HOLBROOK (19 October 1699 - 5 June 1752) and female ancestorAbigail GUNN (16 September 1707 - 7 February 1783) married 27 August 1723
male ancestorEleazer HAWKINS (27 November 1706 - 1734) and female ancestorDamaris WOOSTER (20 February 1708 - ) married 13 December 1727
male ancestorJoseph RIGGS (13 February 1709 - 31 March 1792) and female ancestorMabel JOHNSON (24 August 1719 - 1 December 1806) married 20 February 1740
male ancestorNoah TOMLINSON (6 March 1727 - 15 September 1794) and female ancestorAbigail BEERS (17 April 1723 - 19 February 1797) married 2 July 1747
male ancestorJohn HOLBROOK (12 August 1726 - 28 January 1801) and female ancestorEsther NICHOLS (25 September 1731 - 5 February 1795) married 4 November 1750
male ancestorZadock HAWKINS (1733 - 20 October 1777) and female ancestorLydia WILMOT (23 July 1734 - 4 August 1820) married 4 August 1754
male ancestorJoseph Harvey RIGGS (20 July 1746 - 15 May 1822) and female ancestorRachel CHATFIELD (1745 - 11 May 1778) married 17 May 1766
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Updated: 9/22/2023 7:36:37 PM

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