The first hat factory was established in Danbury in 1780, and for the next 150 years the city was a millinery center, even being referred to as the “hatting capital of the world” in the 1920s. After 1950 Danbury's economy underwent a dramatic transformation, and now comprises a broad range of corporate headquarters and industries from metal fabrication and advanced technology to pharmaceuticals, bio-medical products, paper, publishing, energy and aerospace development.
Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Charles Ives was born in Danbury, and famed opera singer Marian Anderson made the city her home for 50 years. The Danbury Museum & Historical Society, 43 Main St., offers tours of the Ives Homestead, Anderson Studio, 1785 Rider House, 1790 Dodd Hat Shop and a restored schoolhouse; phone (203) 743-5200. Musical and theatrical performances are presented each summer at Charles Ives Concert Park and at other locations throughout the city.
Visitor Centers
Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce 39 West St. Danbury, CT 06810. Phone:(203)743-5565
Shopping
Danbury Fair Mall, off I-84 and US 7 at 7 Backus Ave., features JCPenney and Macy's among its more than 100 specialty stores, services and entertainment options.