Overview
Danbury was once the center of the American hat industry and is still nicknamed the "Hat City".
History
Hat making in Danbury is traced to a small shop opened in 1780. By the late 1800s the city's factories made a large share of the hats sold in the U.S. The industry declined in the mid-20th century as hats went out of style.
Today
The hat-making history is kept alive in local museums, and the city's economy has shifted to healthcare, retail and corporate offices.
Compiled October 2026. History is summarized for general interest; check primary sources for research. This landmark is local context, not an employer or job listing.