History of Torrington: Industrialization
Early Brass Products Produced in Torrington (click to enlarge)
Near Water Street, the west branch of the Naugatuck River dropped in elevation and its rapidly moving water was harnessed to provide water power for developing industries.
Significant industrial growth began to occur here in 1813 when Frederick Wolcott erected a woolen mill. The mill attracted a relatively large workforce with its consequent demand for housing, goods and services.
In 1834 Israel Coe and Erastus Hodges began the construction of rival brass mills. This was the beginning of the brass industry in Torrington, an industry that would later be synonymous with the entire Naugatuck valley. Also contributing to the growth of Torrington was the Naugatuck Valley Railroad, completed to Torrington in 1849. The railroad linked Torrington with other population centers thereby ending its isolation
and stimulating industrial development.
Major immigrants to Torrington in the mid 19th century included: English, Irish and Germans, who found employment opportunities in the growing factories and in
building Torrington’s infrastructure.
During the late nineteenth century both the Torrington Water Company and the Torrington Electric Company were founded. The Wolcottville Fire District was also formed at this time. Sewer lines were laid and sidewalks soon followed. By the 1890s the population had doubled from 6,000 to 12,000. New immigrants during this period included the Poles, Czechs, Slovaks, Italians and Lebanese. Most of the Italians came from Northern Italy and brought with them their skills as stonecutters, masons and carvers. Their architectural contributions to the city can still be seen today in its cut granite buildings and red brick masonry.
In 1923, with a population of 23,000, Torrington was chartered as a city. During the growth and expansion of Torrington in the late 1920’s and early
1930’s the city experienced a facelift which reflected the Art Deco and Art Moderne architectural themes of that period. Several buildings along Main
Street, including the Post Office, City Hall, Allen Block, Mertz and the Warner Theater, were designed in this style. William E. Hunt of Torrington was the architect responsible for much of the work..
Spurred by World War II, Torrington’s industrial production jumped to new heights as factories worked around the clock producing defense materials such as machine tools, bearings and shell casings. After the war came the inevitable drop in factory orders and with it the resultant slowdown in growth.
In August 1955, another severe setback occurred caused by the disastrous flooding of the Naugatuck River, which destroyed the center of town, killing seven and causing $13,000,000 in property damage. After the waters receded flood control projects began. Old dams were removed, the river was widened and new flood control dams were constructed north of the center.
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Significant industrial growth began to occur here in 1813 when Frederick Wolcott erected a woolen mill. The mill attracted a relatively large workforce with its consequent demand for housing, goods and services.
In 1834 Israel Coe and Erastus Hodges began the construction of rival brass mills. This was the beginning of the brass industry in Torrington, an industry that would later be synonymous with the entire Naugatuck valley. Also contributing to the growth of Torrington was the Naugatuck Valley Railroad, completed to Torrington in 1849. The railroad linked Torrington with other population centers thereby ending its isolation
and stimulating industrial development.
Major immigrants to Torrington in the mid 19th century included: English, Irish and Germans, who found employment opportunities in the growing factories and in
building Torrington’s infrastructure.
During the late nineteenth century both the Torrington Water Company and the Torrington Electric Company were founded. The Wolcottville Fire District was also formed at this time. Sewer lines were laid and sidewalks soon followed. By the 1890s the population had doubled from 6,000 to 12,000. New immigrants during this period included the Poles, Czechs, Slovaks, Italians and Lebanese. Most of the Italians came from Northern Italy and brought with them their skills as stonecutters, masons and carvers. Their architectural contributions to the city can still be seen today in its cut granite buildings and red brick masonry.
In 1923, with a population of 23,000, Torrington was chartered as a city. During the growth and expansion of Torrington in the late 1920’s and early
1930’s the city experienced a facelift which reflected the Art Deco and Art Moderne architectural themes of that period. Several buildings along Main
Street, including the Post Office, City Hall, Allen Block, Mertz and the Warner Theater, were designed in this style. William E. Hunt of Torrington was the architect responsible for much of the work..
Spurred by World War II, Torrington’s industrial production jumped to new heights as factories worked around the clock producing defense materials such as machine tools, bearings and shell casings. After the war came the inevitable drop in factory orders and with it the resultant slowdown in growth.
In August 1955, another severe setback occurred caused by the disastrous flooding of the Naugatuck River, which destroyed the center of town, killing seven and causing $13,000,000 in property damage. After the waters receded flood control projects began. Old dams were removed, the river was widened and new flood control dams were constructed north of the center.
<-Back | Next->