Naugatuck

About Naugatuck

Nestled along the Naugatuck River just south of Waterbury, "Naugy" is a proud Naugatuck Valley borough with deep industrial roots and a tight-knit, working-class spirit. It's the kind of town where history is baked into the streetscape — from its classic New England green to the old mill buildings that line the riverbanks — and where neighbors still show up for each other.

What to Know

• The Naugatuck Green Historic District features a stunning cluster of buildings designed by the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, funded largely by rubber industry philanthropists in the early 1900s.
• Naugatuck is the birthplace of Naugahyde, the iconic vinyl-coated fabric invented by United States Rubber Company chemists here in 1936 — yes, that "leather" on your old diner stool has local roots.
• The Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area offers swimming, fishing, picnicking, and trails just minutes from town center.
• Naugatuck is home to Salem School and a public school system that serves the borough's diverse and multigenerational community.
• The town sits along the Naugatuck Rail Trail, a developing greenway following the old railroad corridor through the valley.

History

Settlement began as early as 1702, and by 1844 Naugatuck was officially incorporated as a town carved from parts of Waterbury, Bethany, and Oxford. Its real claim to fame came during the Industrial Revolution, when nine rubber firms merged here in 1892 to form what would become Uniroyal, making Naugatuck a global hub of rubber manufacturing for decades.

Community & Living

Naugatuck has the soul of a classic Connecticut mill town with a community that's genuinely invested in its revival — new local businesses, active neighborhood groups, and a calendar packed with seasonal events keep the energy alive. Residents love the easy access to nature, the affordability compared to nearby cities, and the sense that this is a place with a real story worth being part of.