Looking for a place to grow hops for a Milford brewery Edward Wooster came to Ansonia from Milford in 1654. On the banks of the Naugatuck River he found that place. Wooster built a house and within a year other settlers and families followed.

A significant moment in Ansonia's history took place in 1865 when Pierre Lallement, who patented the velocipede, peddled his bike down Main Street for the first time.

The flood of 1955 was a transforming moment in the history of the entire Naugatuck River Valley. Despite the floods devastation, the many rebuilding projects and the flood control measures that were put into place, Ansonia still retains many of its historical buildings. Today the homes of Ansonia reflect architectural styles from the community's long history.

Spanning 104 acres with diverse recreation and nature study opportunities is The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, a town park. This popular destination is home to an award-winning wildflower garden, a spectacular playground, trails, nature programs, classrooms, ball fields and more. Providing substantial support is The Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc.

Ansonia takes pride in high school athletics where traditions run deep. Early in 2000's each of Ansonia's four public schools underwent extensive renovations or new construction. The Emmet O'Brien Technical High School offers programs in several trades, and it is also home to the parochial school Assumption, for kindergarten through grade 8.