Waterbury

Waterbury sits along the Naugatuck River in the valley region of Connecticut and spreads over hills with residential areas and older industrial buildings. Streets follow the river course, and bridges connect different neighborhoods with each other.

Settlers founded the plantation in 1686 under the name Mattatuck and built mills along the river. In the 19th century, metal processing factories developed and turned the place into the center of the American brass industry.

The name Mattatuck comes from the native language and describes a place without trees, while today parks and residential streets shape the urban layout. Local gatherings take place in public spaces where residents meet and go about daily routines.

Visitors reach the town by regional trains or highways from Hartford or New York. Older neighborhoods can be explored on foot, while local bus lines connect more distant areas.

Inside the former factory halls, pocket watches were made that sold for one dollar and brought timekeeping within reach of working people. This production turned watches into an everyday object for laboring families across America.

Location: Naugatuck Valley Planning Region

Location: New Haven County

Inception: 1686

Elevation above the sea: 80 m

Website: https://waterburyct.org

GPS coordinates: 41.55833,-73.03694

Latest update: December 16, 2025 12:02