Derby

Derby is the smallest city in the state of Connecticut. Derby is a community that was built through innovation and industry. Being on the boarder of theHousatonic and Naugatuck Rivers help build the town into a busy trading post in the 1600’s. Its rich history includes a colorful cast of characters from an affluent sea captain to a Revolutionary War officer to a founding father of the Industrial Revolution.

Derby was settled in 1642 as an Indian trading post under the name Paugasset. It was named after Derby,England, in 1675. Derby is home to the first electric trolley system in New England. It is also home to the first electric locomotive in U.S. history to be built and successfully used commercially for hauling freight. The locomotive, built in 1888, is still kept in running condition by the Shore Line Trolley Museum.

Among Derby’s many assets are a defined city center, large inventory of historic buildings, traditional neighborhood schools, and abundant natural attractions. Like many of Connecticut towns, Derby has wonderful park available to it’s Citizens. The Derby Greenway is a 2.05 mile-long multipurpose trail located on the west side of Derby along the Naugatuck and Housatonic Rivers. Osbornedale State Park is a 417-acre state park located in Derby and partially in Ansonia. It was established in 1956 after being willed to the state by the Osborne Family. The park includes the Osbornedale Homestead, the Kellogg Environmental Center, Pickett’s Pond, and an extensive system of hiking trails. The Frank P. Witek Memorial Park is a 144-acre park on the east side of the city dedicated to Metal of Honor Recipient Frank P. Witek. The City also boasts an acute care community hospital whose campus includes a state-of-the-art cancer center.

Add to this an appreciation for the arts and strong community spirit and you, too, will discover that Derby’s got it all.