The city of Ansonia, settled in 1840 and named in honorof the merchant and philanthropist Anson Greene Phelps (1781-1853), was originally a part of the township of Derby. The state of Connecticut chartered Ansonia as a borough in 1864 and as a township in 1889; in 1893 Ansonia incorporated as a city, consolidating with the coterminous town.
In August of 1955 a devestating flood, caused by rain from Hurricane Diane, destroyed many houses and businesses.After the fire Main Street businesses began to close and and move elsewhere.
The Latex Foam Company was one of the larger employers with 250 people working for them. A fire in May 2001 though destroyed the building, and a Target store opened up where the factory once stood.
In recent years several new stores and shops have come into town reviving the once dead Main Street.
The city is home to the headquarters of the Farrel Corporation, producing plastics and rubber processing equipment, and employs over 300 people.Also you will find the Ansonia Copper & Brass facilities along the banks of the Naugatuck River.
Other important landmarks include the many Victorian and Queen Anne houses. The distinguished Ansonia Opera House, which is the oldest opera house in Connecticut build int 1870.
