History of Danbury, NC

Danbury Is County Seat Of Stokes County

Danbury, North Carolina, is a small but historically rich town located in Stokes County, in the north-central part of the state near the Virginia border. Here’s a concise overview of its history:

️ Early Settlement & Founding

Danbury was established in 1851, the same year Stokes County was divided to create Forsyth County.
The town was designated as the county seat of Stokes County, chosen for its central location after Germanton was no longer suitable due to Forsyth’s formation.
Named after Danbury, Connecticut, likely by settlers or officials with ties to New England.

19th Century Development

Danbury grew as a government and legal center, with the construction of the Stokes County Courthouse (completed in the mid-1800s).
A small commercial area developed, including general stores, blacksmith shops, and services that supported the rural farming population.
Unlike many towns, Danbury was not built around a major railroad, which limited its industrial growth but preserved its rural and civic character.

Link To Stokes County Website

Link To The Danbury Website

⚔️ Civil War Era

During the Civil War, Danbury was a minor strategic point, and its residents were affected by conscription and wartime shortages.
Confederate troops moved through or near the area, and some residents joined local militias or regiments.
There were no major battles in the town, but the war deeply impacted the community’s economy and families.

20th Century and the Rise of Tourism

In the 1900s, Danbury remained small and agriculturally focused but saw increasing interest due to its proximity to natural beauty.
Just northwest of Danbury is Hanging Rock State Park, created in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The park brought tourism, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts to the area.
Danbury became a gateway town to the park, benefiting from tourism while retaining its quiet, small-town feel.

️ Preservation & Heritage

Several historic buildings remain, including:
- Stokes County Courthouse (built in 1904, still in use)
- Moratock Iron Furnace (remains of a Confederate-era iron works destroyed by Union troops in 1865)
- Historic homes and churches scattered through the town.

Modern Danbury

As of today, Danbury is a tiny town with fewer than 200 residents, but it serves as the administrative center for Stokes County.
It’s a stop for tourists visiting Hanging Rock, enjoying the Dan River, and exploring Appalachian foothills culture.
The town embraces its history through local events, preservation efforts, and tourism.