The cities of Derby and Ansonia, in the heart of Connecticut's Lower Naugatuck Valley, share history, geography, heritage, and borders. With European settlement dating to 1642, the cities witnessed the nation's birth, the rise and decline of the maritime trades and heavy industry, devastating floods, and subsequent redevelopment. Photographs have captured much of this history. The images on these pages will allow the reader to wander the streets, neighborhoods, and downtowns of bygone Derby and Ansonia and to see how they have changed today. Many of the modern photographs were taken at or near the same spot where the historic photographs were taken.