Bethel, Connecticut

Bethel, Connecticut is located in Fairfield County, about 60 miles north of New York City. Bethel was first settled around 1700. The first homes were built around 1720, as part of the near by city Danbury. In 1855, Bethel seceded from Danbury to become its own incorporated town. Bethel means "House of El(God)".

Several homes and areas in Bethel have been placed on the National Register of Historical Places. Most notably Greenwood Avenue, PT Barnum Square(Pictured). Historical homes include, "The Greatest Showman on Earth", P.T. Barnums childhood home (Yellow Home Pictured). Other areas, include "The Old Burying Grounds" where revolutionary war soilders were laid to rest nearly 200 years ago (Pictured). During the revolutionary war in 1777, Bethel served as a resting area for revolutuionary war soilders,and American Continental Army Generals, such as Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, Major General David Wooster and Brigadier General Gold S. Silliman. They were on their way to stop the British in nearby Danbury from burning a patriot supply depot, to say the least, the British did burn the depot and other areas of Danbury. Located in the center of town, Captain Daniel Hicock, stayed at this home during this engagement. At that time, it was a tavern and hotel(Pictured).

Bethel, during the early 1900s served as one of the leading towns, besides Danbury, to manufacture hats. This area produced 25% of the nations hats, thus this area(Danbury/Bethel)is nicknamed "The Hat City" or "The Hatting Capitol of the World"

Bethel is home to notable lead singer, Thurston Moore, of Sonic Youth. And, movie star Meg Ryan. Cannondale bicycles are headquartered here, along with Duracell batteries.