Dispatches from the Hat City

02:00 PM May 09, 2006

Danbury is a city of many names. As one of the centers of the vibrant hat industry, Danbury became known as 'Hat City.' And while the top-hats haven't been high fashion since the Taft administration, 'Hat City' is preferable to what Danbury's original settlers named their town; Swampfield. It was a poor choice, but not the worst town name ever. Common sense soon got the better of Swampfield's residents, who feared negative economic side effects (and lack of tourism dollars!) and the town was renamed Danbury in 1687.

For those of you who have been keeping up with the new Blog for CT, you know that we enjoy Connecticut history. One period of history we're particularly fond of is the Revolutionary War period and Connecticut's role in it. After traveling to Swampfield, er, Danbury last night, we did a little research and found out that the town's motto, Restituimus, is Latin for "We Have Restored." In 1777, as Washington's army was chased throughout the Northeast, Danbury was burned to the ground.

Danbury wasn't the only Connecticut community to suffer this fate. The British general responsible, General Tyron, also pillaged and destroyed Fairfield and Norwalk in his campaign against the Connecticut militia. Towards the end of the war, the infamous Benedict Arnold burned New London (Blog For CT was there last week; it has also been rebuilt).

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Blog For CT stumbled across a reference to General David Wooster, a little known Connecticut hero who fought for the colonies in the American Revolution. A veteran of the French and Indian Wars, General Wooster commanded American troops with Ethan Allen and marched onto Canada with the Green Mountain Boys. In 1776, Wooster was transferred to command Connecticut militia and protect arms stores around Danbury. Leading a division of seven hundred untested militiamen, Wooster was defeated defending Danbury and mortally wounded by British forces.

We wanted to know why General Wooster isn't remembered for his service and honorably sacrifice to our young nation. Why is it that he, an experienced soldier and general who participated in some of the most successful battles of the early Revolutionary War, is forgotten while Nathan Hale is remembered? Well, it turns out that Nathan Hale is a bit more quotable. On his death bed, Wooster was recorded as saying, "I am dying, but with a strong hope and persuasion that my country will gain her independence"

Doesn't have the same ring as: "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

Keep checking Blog For Connecticut to find out more random facts about your state and to hear about Mayor DeStefano's campaign for governor.

 

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