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Few towns of its size have such a showcase of grand civic architecture. In the 1890s and 1900s the Whittemore family, whose fortune came from the local malleable iron works, hired the famous New York firm McKim, Mead and White to design a library, a school, a church and other buildings around the Naugatuck Green, giving this Naugatuck Valley mill town a remarkably elegant heart.
Naugatuck grew as the birthplace of the American rubber industry, where Charles Goodyear's work led to factories making rubber footwear, and the town later became the home of U.S. Rubber and Uniroyal. For decades the Peter Paul candy company produced Mounds and Almond Joy bars here. The mansions of factory owners still line the streets of the Hillside district above downtown.
Green space is close at hand. The Larkin State Park Trail sets off on a long rail trail toward Southbury through Whittemore Glen State Park, and the wooded ridges of Naugatuck State Forest hide glacial boulders and quiet lookouts. Waterbury lies just to the north.
The town green is framed by an unusual cluster of buildings by McKim, Mead and White, including the library, Salem School and the Congregational church, many funded by the Whittemore family. War memorials, mature trees and benches make it a pleasant square to stroll. Walk the full perimeter to see each building's details.
Completed in 1903 to a design by McKim, Mead and White, this brick church with a white columned portico and tall steeple anchors the north side of the green. Its bright, classical interior reflects the firm's Colonial Revival style. View it from the green, or attend a Sunday service to see inside.
Designed by McKim, Mead and White and completed in 1894, this Italian Renaissance style school is one of the jewels of the Naugatuck Green, with arched windows, fine brickwork and a tiled roof. It is still used by the school system, so admire it from the sidewalk and avoid school arrival and dismissal hours.
Built in the 1890s as a memorial to a son of the Whittemore family, this Classical Revival library by McKim, Mead and White still serves as the town library. Step inside to see its marble details and reading rooms, and browse the local history collection. Visitors are welcome during regular library hours.
Climbing the slope above downtown, this neighborhood holds the Victorian and early 20th century homes built for the owners and managers of Naugatuck's rubber factories, from Queen Anne towers to stately Colonial Revival houses. The homes are private, so enjoy them on a quiet walk from the green along the residential streets.
The local historical society tells the story of the town's rubber industry, Charles Goodyear's legacy, the Peter Paul candy factory and the families who shaped Naugatuck. Displays include factory products, photographs and everyday objects. Opening hours are limited and run by volunteers, so check ahead before you visit.
Following an old railroad bed for about 10 miles from Naugatuck west to Southbury, this wooded trail is open to walkers, cyclists and horseback riders. The surface is mostly packed dirt and gravel, so wider tires are best for bikes. Expect cuts through rock ledges, wetlands and quiet countryside along the way.
This undeveloped state park on the Naugatuck and Middlebury line protects forested hills and streams where the Larkin State Park Trail begins its run west. Informal paths and the rail trail make it a quiet place for walks, birding and trail running. There are few facilities, so bring water and use the roadside parking.
Spread across hills on both sides of the Naugatuck River, this state forest offers blazed trails to rocky outlooks and Beacon Cap, a huge glacial erratic boulder. The woods are especially colorful in October. Trails are rugged and parking areas small, so wear sturdy boots and arrive early on autumn weekends.
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