Waterbury is a city in New Haven County in the state of
Connecticut in the United States of America. With almost 110,000
inhabitants (estimate 2016) it is the fifth largest city in
Connecticut.
Due to its past as an important location for
brass production and processing, the city is nicknamed Brass
City. This past is also reflected in their motto Quid Aere
Perennius (English: "What is more durable than ore?"). One of
the easternmost towns in the declining industrial Rust Belt,
Waterbury faces significant economic and social problems. In
2008, Forbes magazine ranked the city among the worst places in
the United States for business and careers.
The city is
also known nationally because four of its mayors have been
charged with crimes in office since 1940. Three of them were
sentenced to long prison terms, most recently Philip Giordano in
2003.
Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center, 144 West Main St, ☏ +1
203-753-0381.
The Mattatuck Museum offers an in-depth look at more
than three centuries of Waterbury’s regional history. Its main gallery
highlights the work of Connecticut artists, showcasing rotating
exhibitions that reflect the state’s cultural and creative legacy. One
of the museum’s most unique collections is its display of over 15,000
decorative buttons, originally part of Waterbury’s now-closed Button
Museum—a nod to the city’s longstanding association with brass
manufacturing. Housed in the beautifully restored former Masonic Temple
on Waterbury’s historic Green, the museum blends art, history, and
architecture in one landmark destination.
Waterbury City Hall,
135 Grand St.
This distinguished municipal building was designed by
renowned architect Cass Gilbert, best known for the Woolworth Building
in New York City and the U.S. Supreme Court Building. Completed in 1915,
Waterbury City Hall stands as a prime example of the Georgian Revival
architectural style. A major restoration project returned the
90,000-square-foot structure to its early 20th-century grandeur.
Directly across the street is the Chase Building—another Cass Gilbert
masterpiece—and together with other nearby structures, it forms the Cass
Gilbert Historic District. Established in 1978, this district is one of
the few places in the world where several of the architect’s works can
be admired within a short walking distance.
Palace Theater, 100
East Main St, ☏ +1 203-755-4700.
Opened in 1922, the Palace Theater
is Waterbury’s premier venue for live performances, including Broadway
productions, concerts, comedy shows, and community events. The theater’s
lavish design—featuring domed ceilings, intricate plasterwork, and
elegant lobbies—makes visiting a visual experience in addition to the
entertainment on stage. Its recent restoration has preserved the venue’s
historic charm while updating its amenities for modern audiences.
Quassy Amusement & Waterpark, 2132 Middlebury Rd, Middlebury (6
miles west of Waterbury off Hwy 64), ☏ +1 203-758-2913.
Open daily
11AM–8PM.
Located on the shores of scenic Lake Quassapaug, Quassy is
a family-friendly amusement and water park offering classic rides,
roller coasters, water slides, and a splash area for younger visitors.
The park combines traditional attractions with lakeside recreation,
making it a popular warm-weather destination. Admission: $32.99 for
amusement or water park only; $42.99 for a combination pass. Reduced
pricing for guests under 48 inches tall, seniors (55+), and military:
$27.99 one-park, $37.99 combo. Parking: $10 per car.
Waterbury sits at the crossroads of two major transportation
corridors—Interstate 84, running east to west, and Connecticut Route 8,
running north to south. Located in central western Connecticut along the
Naugatuck River, the city is well-positioned for regional travel.
Several key Connecticut destinations are within about a 35-minute drive:
Hartford and New Britain to the east via I-84; Danbury to the west, also
on I-84; New Haven to the south via Routes 63 or 69; Bridgeport to the
south via Route 8; Torrington to the north along Route 8; and Meriden to
the east using I-84 with a connection to I-691. This makes Waterbury a
convenient hub for commuters and travelers alike.
Rail
Transportation
Waterbury is served by the Waterbury Station on the
Metro-North Railroad’s Waterbury Branch, which links the city with
several towns throughout the Naugatuck Valley to the south. Riders can
transfer at Bridgeport, where additional MTA lines provide access to the
coastal Shoreline East stations heading east and to various Fairfield
County stations to the west. From there, trains continue all the way to
Grand Central Terminal in New York City, offering Waterbury residents a
direct rail connection into the heart of Manhattan.
Waterbury is well connected by public transportation, offering both inter-city bus routes and a relatively comprehensive local bus network. The local buses run into the late evening, making it convenient for commuters, students, and residents without cars. Travelers can board buses at the centrally located Waterbury Green—one of the city’s main transit hubs—as well as at numerous stops throughout the community. In addition to bus services, Waterbury is served by several taxi companies, providing another reliable option for getting around town or reaching destinations not covered by bus routes.
Waterbury, Connecticut, often called the "Brass City" for its
industrial history, harbors a darker side with tales of hauntings,
curses, and forgotten ruins tucked away in its woods and hillsides.
While not as infamous as some New England ghost towns, the area features
a mix of abandoned sites steeped in folklore and tragedy. These spots
draw urban explorers, paranormal enthusiasts, and the curious, though
many are on private property or restricted, making visits risky and
often illegal. Below, I'll delve into the most prominent ones, drawing
from historical accounts, local legends, and reported experiences.
Little People's Village (Abandoned Fairy Village)
Nestled in the
woods off Old Waterbury Road, near the Middlebury border and visible
from I-84, lies one of Waterbury's most enigmatic abandoned sites: the
ruins of a miniature village known as Little People's Village. Built in
the 1920s, this quirky attraction has devolved into a crumbling relic,
fueling tales of fairy curses and ghostly madness.
History: The site
traces back to 1924 when William Joseph Lannen, a resident of nearby
Naugatuck, bought land at the intersection of Route 64 and Route 63 to
open a gas station. It thrived briefly due to heavy traffic, but by
1928, a highway reroute left it isolated. Lannen pivoted, transforming
the property into a nursery and adding whimsical miniature
structures—tiny houses, a church, a lighthouse, stairways, and
pools—made from brick, concrete, ceramic, and metal, complete with
electric lights. Early visitors called it a "toytown" or "village,"
fitting the era's trend of miniature parks. Lannen abandoned the project
around 1939 after marrying Elizabeth Kennedy, and the site fell into
disrepair. Lannen died in 1958, and the property has changed hands
multiple times since, remaining privately owned.
Legends and
Hauntings: Over decades, the ruins gained a supernatural reputation,
rebranded as the "Little People's Village" in nod to folklore about
fairies or "little folk." Urban legends claim the land was haunted by
fairies who tormented locals with whispers, compelling them to build the
village. One version tells of a couple driven mad: the wife, declaring
herself Queen of the Fairies, allegedly axed her husband before dying
herself. Another features a solitary man who hanged himself after the
fairies' demands overwhelmed him. The central "throne"—a stone seat amid
the ruins—is said to be cursed; sitting on it supposedly dooms one to
death within seven years. These stories, while unfounded, amplify the
site's eerie vibe, with some attributing the haphazard construction to
otherworldly influence rather than Lannen's eccentricity.
Current
Status and Visitor Experiences: Today, only fragments remain—decayed
houses, the throne, and scattered debris—slowly reclaimed by the forest.
The site is on private land, with no official access, and plans for an
I-84 interchange may soon erase it entirely. Trespassers risk fines, and
the overgrown path adds hazards like ticks and uneven terrain. Visitor
accounts are sparse in formal records, but online forums describe an
unsettling atmosphere: whispers in the wind, a sense of being watched,
and sudden disorientation. Some report no paranormal activity, chalking
the creepiness to the isolation and vandalism, while others claim
fleeting shadows or unexplained cold spots. It's not recommended to
visit due to legal and safety issues.
Holy Land USA
Perched on
Pine Hill overlooking Waterbury, Holy Land USA is a derelict religious
theme park that's equal parts sacred relic and post-apocalyptic
wasteland. Its giant cross, visible from miles away, serves as a beacon
for both pilgrims and ghost hunters.
History: Founded in the 1950s by
attorney John Greco, this 18-acre site was a tribute to biblical
Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Greco, inspired by his faith, constructed over
200 structures from chicken wire, plywood, fiberglass, and plaster,
including chapels, villages, and dioramas depicting scenes like the
Nativity and Crucifixion. It peaked in the 1960s-1970s, attracting up to
40,000 visitors yearly. Greco closed it in 1984 for renovations but died
in 1986, willing it to the Religious Teachers Filippini nuns. Neglect
followed, with vandalism and decay setting in. In 2010, a horrific
murder—a 16-year-old girl raped and killed on the grounds—intensified
its dark reputation. Sold in 2013 to Mayor Neil O’Leary and businessman
Fred Blasius for $350,000, partial restorations (like a new illuminated
cross) occurred, but full reopening stalled. It's now managed by a
nonprofit, hosting occasional events but largely closed.
Legends
and Hauntings: The park's abandonment birthed tales of curses and
spirits. The 2010 murder fueled claims of "evil" energy, with the
victim's spirit (named Chloe in some accounts) reportedly lingering as a
benevolent presence amid darker entities. Visitors describe uneasy
feelings in the woods, as if an invisible force repels them, accompanied
by phantom footsteps, rustling, and slamming sounds. Paranormal
investigators note negative vibes, attributing them to the site's
history on potentially cursed land. Some psychics claim to have
communicated with Chloe, helping her cross over, while others sense a
broader "curse" from vandalism and tragedy. Daytime visits feel solemn,
but nighttime amplifies the dread, with shadows and whispers evoking
biblical judgment.
Current Status and Visitor Experiences: The
grounds are in ruins—crumbling statues, graffiti-covered buildings,
exposed wiring, and litter create a dystopian scene. The cross lights up
nightly, but the site is gated with cameras, no-trespassing signs, and
police patrols. Occasional masses occur, but public access is limited;
trespassing can lead to arrest. Experiences vary: some feel spiritual
peace, others overwhelming negativity. A paranormal group reported
hearing footsteps not their own, while skeptics blame the eerie
aesthetics. The murder's memorial adds poignancy, with visitors leaving
tributes.
Palace Theater
Unlike the fully abandoned sites
above, the Palace Theater at 100 East Main Street is a restored historic
venue, but its century-old walls echo with ghostly legends, making it a
hub for haunted tours.
History: Opened in 1922 as a vaudeville house
during Waterbury's cultural heyday, the opulent Renaissance Revival
building hosted stars like Houdini and hosted films, plays, and
concerts. It declined post-WWII, closing in the 1980s, but reopened in
2004 after a $30 million restoration. Today, it thrives with Broadway
shows and events.
Legends and Hauntings: Rumors persist of a "Palace
Phantom"—a spectral figure tied to unsolved mysteries. One tale involves
Shirley the Elephant, who allegedly fell through the stage during a
1920s performance, though recent research debunks it as folklore
possibly linked to Houdini. Staff and patrons report apparitions in the
balcony, cold drafts, flickering lights, and whispers during empty
rehearsals. "Spirits with the Spirits" tours explore these, using EMF
detectors and sharing stories of residual energies from performers'
pasts.
Current Status and Visitor Experiences: Fully operational,
it's not abandoned but embraces its haunted rep with seasonal tours.
Participants describe orbs in photos, tugging sensations, and voices on
recordings. Skeptics attribute it to the building's age, but believers
swear by the phantom's presence.
Other Notable Sites
Old St.
Joseph's School (John Street): This abandoned Catholic school, shuttered
decades ago, is rumored haunted by former students' spirits. Urban
explorers note creaking floors and shadowy figures, though it's secured
and trespassing is prohibited.
Scattered mentions include old rail
tunnels and factories near Waterbury, with whispers of industrial
ghosts, but details are vague and access dangerous.
Brass Mill Center, 495 Union St, ☏ +1 203-755-5000.
Brass Mill
Center is Waterbury’s main shopping mall, featuring a wide range of
national retailers, smaller specialty shops, and casual dining options.
It serves as a central shopping destination for residents of Waterbury
and surrounding towns, providing clothing stores, electronics, home
goods, and seasonal events throughout the year.
Waterbury offers an impressive variety of dining options, reflecting
the city’s rich cultural heritage—particularly its strong
Italian-American influence. Below is a selection of notable local
favorites:
Frankie’s Hot Dogs, 700 Watertown Avenue, ☏ +1
203-753-2426.
A beloved Waterbury institution since 1933, Frankie’s
is the city’s most iconic spot for hot dogs and classic American comfort
food. Still family-operated at its original Watertown Avenue location,
the restaurant draws locals and visitors alike for its signature grilled
hot dogs, fried seafood, and nostalgic roadside atmosphere. Several
additional franchised locations serve the greater Waterbury area.
D’Amelio’s Italian Eatery, 718 Highland Avenue, ☏ +1 203-573-1743.
Located in Town Plot—one of Waterbury’s most Italian-American
neighborhoods—D’Amelio’s is known for hearty, traditional Italian
cooking in a warm, family-friendly setting. Guests can enjoy reasonably
priced lunch specials, house-made pastas, classic entrées, and a
welcoming bar area. The restaurant’s reputation for generous portions
and attentive service makes it a popular choice for both casual meals
and special occasions.
La Tavola Ristorante, 702 Highland Avenue,
☏ +1 203-755-2211.
Also situated in Town Plot, La Tavola has earned a
reputation as one of Connecticut’s premier Italian dining destinations.
Its creative menu blends traditional flavors with contemporary flair,
and the restaurant boasts a vibrant bar scene along with an impressive
wine list. Signature dishes—like the Prosciutto-Wrapped
Gorgonzola-Stuffed Figs—highlight the chef’s commitment to unique,
high-quality ingredients. It’s an excellent choice for a romantic
evening or celebratory dinner.
Diorio Restaurant and Bar, 231
Bank Street, ☏ +1 203-754-8866.
A landmark in downtown Waterbury
since the 1920s, Diorio’s offers a timeless atmosphere paired with
refined Italian cuisine. The restaurant’s vintage decor—featuring ornate
tin ceilings, classic tile floors, a polished mahogany bar, and
hand-painted mirror murals—evokes the elegance of another era. With its
consistently praised menu and convenient location near the Palace
Theater, Diorio’s is ideal for business lunches, fine dining, or a pre-
or post-show meal.
Ború’s Bar, 357 West Main Street, ☏ +1 203-596-0946. Open 12 PM–2 AM.
Ború’s Bar is one of Waterbury’s most popular Irish pubs, known for its
lively yet welcoming atmosphere. It attracts a younger, upbeat crowd but
remains friendly and inclusive to all visitors. The bar offers a solid
selection of beers—including Irish staples—as well as craft cocktails
and other mixed drinks. In addition to drinks, Ború’s serves hearty pub
fare such as burgers, steaks, and appetizers, making it a good spot for
both a casual meal and a night out. The staff is known for being
attentive and personable, contributing to the bar’s reputation as a
local favorite.
457 Lounge and Grill, 457 West Main Street, ☏ +1
475-235-2287.
Located just down the street, 457 Lounge and Grill is a
relaxed wing-and-burger bar with a modern vibe. It’s a comfortable place
to grab a drink, watch a game, or enjoy casual dinner fare. The menu
focuses on classic American favorites—especially wings, burgers, and
grilled items—making it a go-to spot for groups and laid-back evenings.
Courtyard by Marriott, 63 Grand Street, ☏ +1 203-596-1000.
Conveniently situated in downtown Waterbury, the Courtyard by Marriott
offers comfortable accommodations with modern amenities, including a
fitness center, business facilities, and an on-site bistro. Its location
near City Hall, the Palace Theater, and several restaurants makes it
ideal for both business travelers and visitors exploring the city’s
cultural attractions.
The Republican-American is Waterbury’s primary local newspaper, providing daily coverage of regional news, sports, community events, and cultural happenings. It remains a key source of information for residents of Waterbury and surrounding towns.
Waterbury is located in the hilly and wooded north of New Haven
County and is part of central western Connecticut. The city is located
53 km southwest of Hartford, the capital of Connecticut.
Waterbury was built on a rocky plain on the middle reaches of the
Naugatuck River. This area of the river course is also known as the
Central Naugatuck Valley. The city is surrounded by granite outcrops to
the east and west. The eastern part of the city is traversed by the Mad
River, which then turns west and empties into the Naugatuck in the city
area. The mean height of the city is 82 m; its lowest point at 65 m and
its highest at 294 m above sea level.
The urban area extends over 74.9 km2, of which 74.0 km2 is land and 0.9 km2 is water.
Waterbury is located in the temperate zone and has a humid
continental climate (Zone Dfa according to Köppen and Geiger). Spring
and Autumn in Waterbury are characterized by fresh winds. Summers are
warm and humid; the winters are cold and dry. Average January
temperatures are -5°C and average July temperatures are 22°C.
July is the warmest month and January is the coldest. The highest
recorded temperature was 38 °C (July 1995) and the lowest -30 °C
(January 1961). The heaviest rainfall falls in September.
The history of the city of Waterbury begins with the southwestern
expansion of the Connecticut colony, founded in 1639. At that time,
today's urban area was claimed by two Algonquian-speaking Native
American tribes: the Tunxis, who lived west of Hartford, and the
Paugussett, who lived east of the Housatonic River. The area was called
Matetacoke, Matitacoock or Mattatuckokë (German: place without trees) by
its native inhabitants. The Indian name is first mentioned in a 1654
land title of the two Farmington settlers John Standley and John Andrews
and probably refers to the grazing grounds of the Naugatuck flood
plains.
On October 9, 1673, 26 Farmington settlers submitted a
petition to the Connecticut Colony General Court, asking permission to
plant at Matitacoock. The General Court agreed on the same day. The
actual beginning of the European conquest of modern-day Waterbury dates
from 1674. The land was gradually transferred from 1674 to 1685 in three
treaties by the Tunxis and in one treaty by the Paugussett to the
settlers for single-digit pound amounts.
Shortening the Indian
name variants, the name of the plantation was registered on May 18, 1674
as Mattatuck. The settlers had to leave Mattatuck again in 1675 during
King Philip's war, but returned in 1677. In the course of granting city
rights (town ship) as the 28th city of the Connecticut colony on May 15,
1686, the name was changed to Waterbury. In 1691, the city's colonial
administration allowed the founding of an independent parish.
During the American Revolutionary War, the majority of residents
committed themselves to the cause of the young republic. Almost 700
residents of Waterbury are said to have fought in republican military
units, while around 70 to 80 residents fought for the loyalist side,
loyal to England. Most of their belongings were confiscated. Waterbury
loyalist Moses Dunbar was hanged in Hartford in 1777 for alleged
treason.
Waterbury's industrialization began in the late 18th and
early 19th centuries. Grain and sawmills that used the existing
hydroelectric power already existed before that. The oldest company
still in existence today is the zinc processing company Platt Bros. &
Co. (founded 1797). In 1802, Abel Porter & Co. began manufacturing
brass, which was new to the United States. The company later became part
of the Scovill company. The still existing companies Waterbury Buttons
(button manufacture) and Waterbury Companies (conglomerate), both
founded in 1812, date from this time.
From the middle of the 19th
century, however, brass processing companies and clock manufacturers,
such as Chase Brass & Copper (founded in 1837; now based in Ohio),
American Brass Co., Benedict & Burnham, Waterbury Clock Co .(now part of
Timex) or Waterbury Watch Co.. Waterbury and the middle Naugatuck region
was considered the brass capital of the world and American Switzerland
during this period. In the 19th century, the city's population grew
rapidly from just over 3,000 inhabitants in 1800 to over 50,000 in 1900.
The prosperity of the time is still evident today in the impressive
architectural heritage from the late 19th century. In 1894 the city
received an electric tram, the route of which later extended far beyond
the actual city area (abandoned in 1937).
At the beginning of the
First World War, Waterbury already had almost 80,000 inhabitants. The
importance of the city's industrial products to warfare created a surge
in demand. After the United States entered World War I in 1917, about
6,100 residents of the city were drafted into military service.
The successful development of the city and economy continued until
around 1930. In the 1920s, important municipal facilities such as the
Palace Theater or the Lewis Fulton Memorial Park emerged. However, the
global economic crisis that began in 1929 was the first major turning
point in Waterbury's long economic decline: high unemployment led to a
stagnation in population development that has persisted to this day.
In 1938, one of the nation's first birth control counseling centers
opened at a public facility, the Chase Dispenary, part of Waterbury
Hospital. The historian Garrow pointed out in 1994 the importance of
this event for the later legal landmark decision in the case of Roe v.
Wade down.
In 1939/40, investigations by the daily newspaper
Waterbury Republican led to the corrupt mayor T. Frank Hayes (Democratic
Party) and 22 other defendants being sentenced to long prison terms. The
newspaper received the 1940 Pulitzer Prize in the Public Service
category.
The Second World War brought an economic revival in
Waterbury as part of the conversion to wartime production. The
importance of the industrial location led to fears of becoming a
possible target for German air raids. A newly built Waterbury Clock Co.
time fuse factory was built into the hills near Middlebury, camouflaged
against air raids and structurally prepared for flooding in the event of
an invasion.
During World War II, 12,000 men and 500 women from
Waterbury served in the US armed forces. 282 of them died in the war.
The effects of the war on the city were detailed in Ken Burns'
documentary series The War (2006).
In the first 200 years of the city's existence, population growth stagnated. Since the second half of the 19th century there has been a rapid increase in the number of inhabitants in the course of industrialisation. This development broke off with the global economic crisis in the early 1930s. Since then, the city has experienced minimal population growth and experienced a temporary population decline in the 1970s.
According
to the 2005-2007 American Community Survey, Waterbury's 108,554
residents live in 41,939 households, of which 33.2% are single-person
households. Children under the age of 18 live in a good 35% of
households. The average household size is 2.54 people. With a share of
73.3%, English is the dominant household language, followed by Spanish
with 16.5%. 13.4% of the population was born outside the United States.
27.1% of the residents attribute their origins to Latin American roots,
20.7% to Italian and 12.2% to Irish.
52.7% of the population is
female and 47.3% male. The median age is 34.2 years. 23.9% of the
residents are younger than 18 years and 13.3% older than 65 years.
63.6% of residents over the age of 16 count themselves among the
employed population. Of these, 10.0% are unemployed. At 24.8%, the
education, health and social services sector has the highest share of
employment. The median household income is USD 39,115 compared to USD
50,007 nationally. 18.8% of the population lives below the poverty line
(13.3% US total), including 29.7% of those under 18 and 10.8% of those
over 65. 30.2% of all households received social transfer payments. Only
14.5% of the population had a higher education degree compared to 27.0%
nationally.
The Board of Aldermen consists of 15 Aldermen and is elected every two years. He governs the city together with the mayor. Currently, nine aldermen belong to the Democratic Party and two to the Republican Party. Four deputies are independent.
The
current mayor, Michael Jarjura (Democratic Party), has been in office
since 2002. He was first elected in 2001 and has been re-elected three
times since then. In his second re-election, Jarjura ran as an
independent candidate, having not been nominated in his own party's
primary.
Jarjura succeeded Republican Sam Caligiuri, who served
as administrator for Philip Giordano, who resigned in 2001. Giordano was
arrested as part of a corruption investigation in mid-2001 on sex
offenses and sentenced to 37 years in prison in 2003. Giordano was
the fourth Mayor of Waterbury to face indictment in office:
In
1940, Mayor T. Frank Hayes was sentenced to several years in prison for
stealing public funds.
In 1988 Mayor Edward Bergin was arrested on
bribery charges but later acquitted due to lack of evidence.
In 1992,
Bergin's successor, Joseph Santopietro, was sentenced to nine years in
prison for corruption.
National political representation
Waterbury
sent five representatives to the Connecticut House of Representatives
and two senators to the state Senate. Currently, three MPs are Democrats
and two are Republicans. Democrats and Republicans each provide one of
the two senators.
In the elections to the US House of
Representatives, Waterbury has two constituencies. Its inhabitants are
therefore involved in the election of two deputies. Currently, the city
and area are represented by Rosa DeLauro and Chris Murphy; both are
Democrats. In the last US Senate election, Joe Lieberman received 52.2%
of the Waterbury vote.
In the 2008 presidential election, turnout
was 58.5% (63.0% nationally). The Democratic candidate pair Obama/Biden
won 62.7% of the vote and the Republican candidate candidate
McCain/Palin 35.7%.
From 2001 to 2007 the City of Waterbury budget was under the receivership of the State of Connecticut (Waterbury Financial Planning and Assistance Board). In December 2000, the rating agency Fitch classified the city's bonds as speculative (grade BB) due to a high structural deficit. Since 2008, the city has taken responsibility for its own budget again.
The largest taxpayer is the GGP-Brass Mill shopping centre. National companies headquartered in Waterbury are commercial bank Webster Bank (established 1935) and specialty chemicals company MacDermid (established 1922). None of the big companies that shaped the city's industrial past remain based here: Scovill moved to Georgia and Timex to neighboring Middlebury.
Waterbury is one of the terminuses of New York's Metro-North, a
regional rail service that connects areas north of New York with
Manhattan. Hartford, Boston and New York can be reached from Waterbury
via Interstate 84, which intersects Route 8 at Waterbury.
Waterbury-Oxford Commercial Airport (IATA code: OXC) is located about 10
km south-west of downtown Waterbury and is primarily used for private
business and charter flights. However, it is not served by scheduled
services. The nearest major scheduled airport is Hartford (IATA code:
BDL). In addition, New Haven Airport (IATA code: HVN) offers a few
domestic scheduled services.
media
Waterbury has a daily
newspaper, the Republican-American. The conservative-leaning newspaper
has a circulation of around 60,000 and is one of the oldest daily
newspapers still published in the USA. It emerged in the early 1990s
from the merger of the Waterbury Republican (founded 1881) and the
Waterbury American (founded 1844) (see also »Buildings«).
There
are also some local radio stations, such as WATR 1320 AM (founded in
1934).
hospitals
Waterbury has two major hospitals: Waterbury Hospital
(established 1890) and St Mary's Hospital (established 1907). Both
houses are academic teaching hospitals of Yale University. The main
building of Waterbury Hospital was designed by the well-known architect
Henry Bacon (1866-1924).
Higher educational institutions
In Waterbury is the Post
University, which developed from a college to a specialized university
in 1990 by following Tokyo's Teikyo University. The University of
Connecticut also has a campus in Waterbury.
schools
The vast
majority of schools are combined in the Waterbury Public Schools school
district. In the 2006-07 school year, 18,218 students attended the
district's schools. About 65% of students come from low-income families.
The school district is one of the so-called minority-majority districts
because the majority of the students come from population groups that
are classified nationally as ethnic or religious minorities. Waterbury
Public Schools was the first Connecticut school district to introduce a
mandatory dress code for its students and enforce it through the courts.
There are still private schools, e.g. B. Chase Collegiate, Holy
Cross High School, Sacred Heart High School or Yeshiva Gedolah School.
sons and daughters of the town
Mark Richards (1760–1844),
politician
Julius Hotchkiss (1810–1878), politician
Joe Connor
(1874–1957), baseball player
J. Farrell MacDonald (1875–1952), actor
and director
Joseph Edward McCarthy (1876–1955), Roman Catholic
minister, Bishop of Portland
John Gregory Murray (1877–1956), Roman
Catholic minister, Archbishop of Saint Paul
Matthew Francis Brady
(1893–1959), Roman Catholic minister, Bishop of Manchester
Edward W
Goss (1893–1972), politician
Walter Leo Weible (1896–1980),
Lieutenant General
John Sirica (1904–1992), federal judge
J.
Joseph Smith (1904–1980), politician
Rosalind Russell (1907–1976),
actress
John S. Monagan (1911–2005), politician
Phil Bodner
(1917–2008), musician
Fritz Barzilauskas (1920–1990), football player
Stan Freeman (1920–2001), jazz pianist and arranger
Harry Daghlian
(1921–1945), physicist and first victim of a nuclear accident
Ralph
Spinella (1923–2021), fencer and Olympian
Bob Crane (1928–1978),
actor
Ralph Ferraro (1929–2012), film composer and arranger
Joe
Diorio (1936–2022), jazz guitarist and music educator
Ted Casher
(1937–2023), jazz musician and college teacher
Robert Gallo (born
1937), microbiologist and co-discoverer of the HI virus
Porter Goss
(born 1938), politician and director of the CIA from 2004 to 2006
William J. Hoye (1940–2022), philosopher and theologian
Mario Pavone
(1940–2021), jazz bassist
Thom Mayne (born 1944), architect, Pritzker
Prize for Architecture
Sam Pillsbury (born 1946), film director,
screenwriter and film producer
Greg Stafford (1948–2018), game
designer, editor and neo-shaman
Annie Leibovitz (born 1949),
photographer
Carl Barzilauskas (born 1951), football player
Gary
Franks (born 1953), politician
Sheryl Lee Ralph (born 1956), actress
and singer
Harold Marcuse (born 1957), historian
John G Rowland
(born 1957), politician
Christopher Lloyd (born 1960), screenwriter
and producer of comedy series
Rick Mastracchio (born 1960), NASA
astronaut
Dylan McDermott (born 1961), actor
Elizabeth Gilbert
(born 1969), writer
Mercedes Martinez (born 1980), wrestler
Ryan
Gomes (born 1982), basketball player
Tim Abromaitis (born 1989),
basketball player
Jonathan Michel (* ≈1990), jazz musician
Allie
DiMeco (born 1992), actress
Gemma Acheampong (born 1993), Ghanaian
sprinter
Personalities who worked in the city
Malcolm Baldrige
(1922–1987), Chairman of the Board of Scovill Inc. and later US
Secretary of Commerce from 1981 to 1987
Feodor Fedorenko (1907–1987),
Nazi war criminal extradited to the Soviet Union in 1984