Valley Heritage Driving Tour

Founders Commons

Located at the base of Academy Hill in the East Derby section of town, Founders Common dates back to the earliest days of settlement in Derby. Settlement in Derby actually started in that area of town, and the Commons is an historical remembrance of the City's history as well as a pleasant open space of land in one of the most densely populated cities in Connecticut.

It was also the site of Derby's first public school - The Academy.

A Common was a place provided for those weary of walking long distances to sit and rest, and read notices of church, public meetings and the scant news of the day. Many villagers gathered to greet and gossip with friends and neighbors.

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