Naugatuck has a rich and vibrant history. Because of its location along the Naugatuck River, it was natural that mills and factories would take advantage of this energy source to help power their production facilities.With the construction of a railroad line in the mid 1800's, Naugatuck soon embarked on its boom years, which would last for the next century and a half.

Charles Goodyear founded the Union Rubber Company and by the 1880's, Naugatuck factories were producing over 25,000 pairs of boots and shoes a day. Over the next few decades more factories took advantage of the established transportation infrastructure in Naugatuck and the surrounding valley, as well as the growing skilled labor force.

Successful industrialists of this era believed in the importance of community and in sharing their good fortune with others. John H. Whittemore, in particular, was an active philanthropist in Naugatuck and from 1894 to 1905 McKim, Mead and White received 11 commissions from him. Most of these structures and the town green still stand today and set Naugatuck apart. Henry Bacon, whose most famous work is the Lincoln Memorial, designed the train station and the Whittemore Bridge that spans the Naugatuck River. Renaissance Place will celebrate Naugatuck's rich history by highlighting the historic architecture of its downtown.