The town of Ansonia lies nine miles north west of New Haven, Connecticut, and was named after it's founder, Anson C. Phelps. In 1851, he founded the Ansonia Clock Company, and also the Ansonia Brass & Clock Company.

In 1878, the Ansonia Clock Company relocated to Brooklyn, New York, however, the following year, the entire factory was destroyed by fire. They rebuilt, and were back in business by early 1880. The factory ceased production in 1930, and all the plant and equipment were sold to Russia.