Waterbury is a city located in west-central Connecticut in New Haven County with a population of 108,093 according to the latest census data. Often referred to as “The Brass City”, Waterbury has a long history of brass manufacturing and is now home to a diverse economy and thriving local community.
Geography
Waterbury is situated along the Naugatuck River approximately 33 miles southwest of Hartford and 77 miles northeast of New York City. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 29.0 square miles, of which 28.5 square miles is land and 0.5 square miles is water. Waterbury is bordered by the communities of Middlebury to the west, Cheshire and Prospect to the north, Southington to the east, and Naugatuck to the south.
Population
According to the latest data from the 2020 United States Census, Waterbury had a population of 108,093 making it the 9th largest city in Connecticut. The city has seen slight population declines in recent decades, with its peak population of over 110,000 in 1970. However, Waterbury remains one of the most densely populated cities in Connecticut with over 3,800 people per square mile.
History
Originally inhabited by the Mattatuck (or Mattabesec) Native American tribe, Waterbury was settled by colonial settlers in 1674 as a colonial parish of Farmington. It was formally incorporated as a city in 1853 after the establishment of several brass manufacturing companies. The new brass industry allowed Waterbury to experience tremendous economic growth, transforming it from a sleepy agricultural village into a major industrial powerhouse and earning it the nickname “The Brass City.”
Waterbury’s success in brass helped it become one of the largest cities in Connecticut in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Major firms like Scovill Manufacturing, Chase Brass & Copper Company, and Kerr Mill occupied massive factory spaces in the city and employed thousands of local workers. By 1920, the value of Waterbury’s industrial output exceeded that of any other city in Connecticut.
Government
Waterbury utilizes a mayor-council form of government. The city is divided into five aldermanic districts with a total of 15 aldermen representing the citizens of Waterbury. The current mayor is Neil M. O’Leary, a Democrat first elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2015 and 2019. Waterbury city business is conducted through various departments including the Mayor’s Office, Board of Aldermen, City Clerk, and additional municipal departments.
The official City of Waterbury website provides comprehensive information about various city government services, meetings, programs, public notices, and more.
Attractions and Landmarks
Waterbury is home to a variety of attractions and landmarks that highlight its unique history and culture:
- The Mattatuck Museum – With over 10,000 artifacts, this museum chronicles the history of Waterbury and surrounding towns. Displays cover the city’s Native American roots, colonial settlement, and industrial growth in brass production. Official website
- Timexpo Museum – Located on the site of the former Timex watch factory, this museum showcases the history of Timex watches and also includes historic clock exhibits. Official website
- Waterbury Clock Company Tower – Built in 1914, this iconic 10-story clock tower overlooks downtown Waterbury and remains an important part of the city’s landscape.
- Holy Land USA – An 18-acre hillside park featuring replica buildings from Biblical history created in the 1950s by a devout Waterbury priest.
- Waterbury Union Station – Constructed in 1909 in Beaux-Arts style, this historic train station now functions as the central hub for Waterbury’s public transit system.
Culture
In addition to its industrial past, Waterbury also developed a thriving cultural scene in the early 20th century. The Mattatuck Historical Society formed in 1901 to preserve the city’s history. Brass-era prosperity allowed Waterbury to build several opulent theaters such as the Poli Palace and State Theatre in the 1920s. While some of these venues have now closed, Waterbury continues to host concerts, community theater productions, art shows, and cultural festivals year-round.
Sports
Waterbury does not have any major professional sports teams, but sports still play an important role in the city’s culture. Popular amateur sports teams include:
- The Naugatuck Valley Venom, a semi-professional football team that joined the New England Football League in 2020. Official website.
- The Waterbury Wolverines youth hockey organization with over 200 players participating across different age brackets. Official website.
- The Ray Guarino Waterbury Road Race has taken place annually on Labor Day since 1960, attracting thousands of runners to the city streets.
Additionally, Waterbury natives have also made their mark on the pro sports world. Baseball hall-of-famer George “High Pockets” Kelly and PGA golfer Ken Green both grew up in Waterbury.
Economy
Although brass manufacturing has declined, Waterbury still has a robust and diversified economy. Here are some of the major employers in Waterbury today:
- Healthcare – Waterbury Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, Fresenius Medical Care, Connecticut Community Care
- Manufacturing – Timex, Thermos, Chase Brass & Copper
- Technology – InfoNXX, Nova Dimetrics
- Education – University of Connecticut, Post University, Naugatuck Valley Community College
- Retail – Walmart, Home Depot, Stop & Shop, Verizon Wireless
- Finance – Webster Bank, Bank of America
In addition, Waterbury continues to revitalize many former industrial buildings into modern mixed-use developments. Recent projects like the Brass Mill Center mall and Naugatuck Valley Industrial Park have helped attract new businesses to the area.
According to DataUSA, the major industries in Waterbury are healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. The city’s economy continues to diversify into new sectors while maintaining strong roots in advanced manufacturing.
Conclusion
For over 300 years, Waterbury has played a vital role in Connecticut’s cultural, industrial, and economic growth. While challenges remain, the city continues working hard to reinvent itself and provide new opportunities for its residents. Home to beautiful historic architecture, strong community pride, and a promising future, Waterbury is definitely a place to watch in the Nutmeg State.
To learn more, visit the City of Waterbury’s Facebook page or the official city website.