Hotels in Waterbury, Connecticut

A little about Waterbury...

Waterbury is a city in New Haven County, Connecticut, 33 miles (53 km) southwest of Hartford on the Naugatuck River. As of 2005 Census Bureau estimates, the city had a total population of 107,902 and was the fifth-largest city in Connecticut.

In the past, Waterbury had large industrial interests, and was the leading center of the United States for the manufacture of brassware (including castings and finishings). It was noted for the manufacture of watches and clocks. Waterbury's nickname is the Brass City. Indeed, the city's motto is Quid Aere Perennius, which means "What Is More Lasting Than Brass."

The city is on Interstate 84 and is the hometown of former Connecticut Governor John G. Rowland who spent a year in jail for ethical violations stemming from corruption. The city has a Metro North railroad station and is home to Post University and a regional campus of the University of Connecticut.

Famous Waterbury Landmarks:

Ben Franklin Statue - Seated in front of the Silas Bronson Library, it was designed by renowned sculptor Paul Wayland Bartlett, a one-time Waterbury resident

Soldiers Monument - Sculpted by former Waterbury resident George C. Bissell as a tribute to the whole Civil War experience, the 48-foot-high bronze monument was cast in Paris and cost $25,000. It was dedicated Oct. 23, 1884. Other Bissell works include: Memorial to Scottish American soldiers of the Civil War located in Edinburgh, Scotland, and many statues in Riverside Cemetery, including one of Waterbury Civil War hero, Col. John L. Chatfield.

Carrie Welton Fountain - It was designed by Karl Gerhardt of Hartford. He was a favorite of Mark Twain who owned many of his pieces and financed his studies in Paris.

Harrub Pilgrim Memorial - The 175 ton, 60-foot-long, 24-foot-high monument with 10-foot-high figures was carved out of French granite by Herman Atkins MacNeil of N. Y. Charles Harrub, a former engineer for American Brass, donated the $100,000 needed for the project to honor his wife and the Pilgrims. Dedicated October 11, 1930, it was originally located at Chase Parkway.

Clock Tower - Constructed by the world famous architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White of N.Y., this structure resembles the Torre Del Mangia at the Palazzo Publico in Siena, Italy.