The Hazard Powder Company was one of the largest gunpowder and explosives manufacturers in the United States in the late nineteenth century. Initially established in 1835 as Loomis, Denslow, and Company by Allen Loomis (1795-1864) and his business partners, Parkes Loomis (1792-1869), Neeland Loomis (1799-1860), and Allen A. Denslow. The powder mill was located along the Scantic River, while employees lived in the company town named Hazardville, Connecticut, named after Colonel Augustus Hazard (1802-1868). In 1837, Hazard acquired a one-quarter interest in the company, and the name was changed to Loomis, Hazard & Company. In 1843, the name was changed again to the Hazard Powder Company when Hazard became the principal owner.

In 1876, years after Hazard's death, the DuPont Company, a major rival in the industry, quietly took possession of the company and continued to produce sporting and blasting powder, the most notable product selling as "Kentucky Rifle Powder." The DuPont Company had been found to be in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act and was court-ordered to break up ownership of its explosives manufacturing businesses from 1911 to 1912, and Hazard Powder Company was merged with the newly created Hercules Powder Company to comply. In January 1913, there was a large explosion at the plant, causing extensive damage, and the plant was permanently closed.