History of Derby, Connecticut, USA

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 - First industrial training school, established by Josiah Holbrook in Derby

www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ connecticut.html

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

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/

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

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

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...