The Abrigado

  1. About the Abrigado Hill Neighborhood
    1. Now extinct
    2. "The Abrigado", or "Abrigado Hill", was later slanged to "Abrigador".
    3. "The Abrigado" neighborhood was originally, post-aboriginally, almost solely of Portuguese population.  More recently, the Abrigado is nearly exclusively comprised of Irish-Americans.  The area extended southwest of what is now known as Hamilton Park, and south of Holy Land USA; in its hay day, the neighborhood was roughly outlined by Hamilton Avenue, Edgewood Avenue, Piedmont Street, South Main Street, and the old Dublin Street, which is now Washington Avenue.  The neighborhood geography is considered to be much smaller, or non-existent.  
    4. ​The earliest-known reference to the Abrigado is evidenced on an 1852 Plan of the Borough of Waterbury.
    5. At least one photograph, from the perspective of the Abrigado, taken in the year 1891 by C. R. Pancoast, confirming the Abrigador name, survives, at least in copy, via the 1896 publication of The Town and City of Waterbury, authored by Joseph Anderson, Sarah Johnson Pritchard, and Anna Lydia Ward.  Another book, referenced in the same publication, was taken in 1857.
    6. One of the earliest-built schools, traditionally called school houses, was built on the Abrigador in 1852.  The cost of the land and the cost of the construction was less than $1,000.  In 1874, plans to build a new school and sell the existing school, at a net cost of $12,000, became actionable.  Both schools may have been named Abrigador school.  In 1879, the City agreed to purchase adjacent land for school use.  In 1884, an addition to Abrigador School was approved to accommodate growing attendance.
    7. The term Abrigado is thought to be of the Portuguese language, indicating
      1. sheltered, a safe place
      2. shielded from wind and water
    8. ​​"The Abrigado", or "Abrigado Hill", later slanged to "Abrigador", neighborhood was originally, post-aboriginally, almost solely of Portuguese population.  More recently, the Abrigado is nearly exclusively comprised of Irish-Americans.  The area extended southwest of what is now known as Hamilton Park, and south of Holy Land USA; in its hay day, the neighborhood was roughly outlined by Hamilton Avenue, Edgewood Avenue, Piedmont Street, South Main Street, and the old Dublin Street, which is now Washington Avenue.  The neighborhood geography is considered to be much smaller, or non-existent.  There is no known neighborhood association for what little is left of the Abrigado. 
    9. ​This Italian-named predominantly-Irish neighborhood of forgotten times has very little written history.  Some people speculate that Abrigado Hill was named as such in a slightly bent truth that the hill was sheltered from the wrath of nature, particularly the wind, as its Italian translation implies.  Others speculate that it was a somewhat sarcastic reference by the Italian immigrants, whose descendants are still today known for their sarcastic and ever-jovial nature, to mean that the people of that hill were “untouchable”; this reference seemingly implies that the police of the day, as well as the priests of the day – even in the highly-Italian Catholic Church, were all (mostly) of Irish descent, and protected each other from any harm.  This triple irony – an Irish neighborhood labeled by Italian immigrants using a Portuguese word, and a hill deemed to be sheltered from wind – is yet another point of intrigue in the history of Matetacoke and the Abrigado.
  2. History of Abrigado
    1. Abrigado was known as Abrigador as early as 1737; the name was also documented again in 1739.
    2. In the year 2016, and again in the year 2017, the official fireworks as sponsored by the City of Waterbury were lit upon Abrigado; from this location, the largest possible population can view the fireworks.  Although there is some concern of the fireworks being a distraction, and safety hazard, for the drivers on Interstate Highway 84, there are no known traffic consequences.
  3. ​Other Names for the Abrigado Neighborhood
    1. Abragado
    2. Abrigado has had several similar names. 
      1. The true etymology is unknown. 
      2. While there are several theories and references to native aboriginal Indian, Italian, and Spanish roots, each variation has a loosely similar meaning in their separate etymologies.
      3. This particular spelling has been documented in 1699
    3. Abrigadow
    4. Abligator
      1. ​colloquially, not officially
    5. Alligator
      1. ​colloquially as a play on Abligator
    6. Abragadow
    7. Abrigador
    8. ​Ahrigado
    9. Abrigador Hill
    10. Holy Land
  4. Streets in Abrigado Neighborhood
    1. Hamilton Avenue
    2. Edgewood Avenue
    3. Piedmont Street
    4. South Main Street
    5. the old Dublin Street
    6. Washington Avenue
    7. Baldwin Avenue
      1. Baldwin Avenue #1
      2. Baldwin Avenue #2
    8. David Street
    9. Dixie Avenue
    10. Donahue Street
    11. Emmett Court
    12. Fairmont Street
    13. Farrington Avenue
      1. Farrington Avenue #1
      2.  Farrington Avenue #2
    14. ​Glenn Street​​​​
    15. Golden Hill Street
    16. Goss Street
    17. Hull Street
    18. Keefe Street
    19. Laval Street
    20. Lounsbury Avenue
    21. Luke Street
    22. Madison Avenue
    23. North Place
    24. Piedmont Street
    25. Proctor Street
    26. Rawley Avenue
    27. Rosewood Avenue
    28. Rye Street
    29. South Main Street
    30. South Street
    31. South View Street
    32. Southerly Place
    33. Sylvan Avenue
    34. Villa Road
    35. Washington Street
    36. Washington Street Ext
    37. Welles Street 
  5. Abrigado Neighborhood Highlights
    1. Holy Land U.S.A.
    2. I-84
    3. Often host of annual Waterbury Independence Day fireoworks
  6. Safety in Abrigado Neighborhood
    1. Abrigado is reputed to be of high crime
    2. One of the worst murders in Waterbury's history took place in Abrigado, at Holy Land, during a time when the park was fenced and abandoned.
  7. Parks in Abrigado Neighborhood
    1. Holy Land U.S.A. Family Theme Park
  8. Water in Abrigado Neighborhood
  9. Demographic Profile of Abrigado Neighborhood
    1. Originally heavily Portuguese
    2. Later largely Irish
    3. Most recently predominantly hispanic, largely Puerto Rican
    4. Densely populated
    5. Very low income per capita
  10. Features of Abrigado Neighborhood
    1. The Holy Land Cross
    2. Spectacular views of much of the City of Waterbury, including
      1. Brass Mills Center Mall
      2. Saint Mary's Hospital
      3. I-84
  11. Abrigado Neighborhood Association
    1. There is no known neighborhood association for what little is left of the Abrigado.
    2. There is no known evidence that there ever was a neighborhood association for this neighborhood. 
  12. Partners and Supporters of Abrigado Neighborhood
    1. Holy Land U.S.A. fundraiser
  13. Notable People from Abrigado Neighborhood
    1. Rodger Conner, renowned baseball professional, was born on Abrigado Hill.
  14. Significant Structures in Abrigado Neighborhood
    1. The Holy Land Cross
    2. I-84
  15. Abrigado Neighborhood Online
    1. There is no known presence of the Abridado online, except here at WaterburyLife.com and
    2. Indirectly as related to Holy Land U.S.A.
Tragedy at Holy Land: The Chloe Ottman Murder


On a warm Thursday evening in July, 16-year-old Chloe Ottman and her friend of nearly two years, 19-year-old Francisco Cruz, set out for a walk in Waterbury.  Their destination was Holy Land USA, an abandoned 18-acre religious attraction overlooking the city, known for its illuminated 50-foot cross that serves as a local landmark.

Little did anyone know that this innocent outing would turn into a horrific tragedy. When Chloe didn't return home that night, her family became worried. By Friday evening, with still no sign of the teenager, they reported her missing to the police.
Investigators immediately began their search, questioning those who last saw Chloe. Cruz, being the last person seen with her, initially denied any involvement in her disappearance. He even participated in search efforts organized by Chloe's friends, maintaining his innocence.

However, as police intensified their questioning on Saturday, Cruz's story began to unravel. Under pressure, he confessed to the unthinkable: he had raped and murdered Chloe. Cruz led the authorities to her body, which he had hidden in the woods near Holy Land USA.

The details that emerged were gruesome. According to police reports, Cruz had sexually assaulted Chloe at the bottom of the cross after she refused his advances, citing that she had a boyfriend. He then strangled her and stabbed her repeatedly in the neck before disposing of her body and belongings in the nearby woods.

On Sunday, July 18, Francisco Cruz was formally charged with capital felony, murder, sexual assault, and second-degree strangulation. He was held on a $5 million bond, facing potential death penalty charges if convicted.

As news of the tragedy spread, the Waterbury community was left in shock. On Sunday evening, friends and loved ones gathered at Holy Land for a candlelight vigil to remember Chloe, who was supposed to start her junior year at Crosby High School that fall. "She's just one of the closest friends I've ever had," said Alasia Costello, one of Chloe's friends, at the vigil.

The following Monday, an autopsy was scheduled to determine the exact cause of death, while Cruz made his first appearance in Waterbury Superior Court. The community grappled with the loss of a young life and the betrayal by someone who was supposed to be a friend.

The case shed light on the dangers lurking in seemingly innocent places and the importance of community vigilance. It also raised questions about the security of abandoned areas like Holy Land USA, owned by the Religious Teachers Filippini, where several nuns still resided.

As Waterbury mourned, the illuminated cross at Holy Land USA stood as a somber reminder of the tragedy that had unfolded in its shadow, forever changing the lives of those involved and the community at large.

written by Claude Sonnet
​Holy Land USA: A Tale of Decay and Rebirth

Once a beacon of religious tourism, Holy Land USA now stands as a testament to both neglect and community resilience. This unique religious theme park, perched atop Pine Hill in Waterbury, has weathered decades of abandonment and destruction, only to find hope in recent restoration efforts.

The Catacombs: A Shadow of Their Former Glory

Perhaps the most intriguing feature of Holy Land USA was its elaborate system of catacombs. These underground passages, designed to replicate ancient Christian burial chambers, once stretched for about 200 feet beneath the park. However, our sources reveal that only a small portion of the original catacombs survive today.

The first two major expansions of I-84 in Waterbury dealt a devastating blow to this subterranean marvel. As the highway was moved southward by over 100 feet, workers were reportedly ordered to destroy sections of the catacombs in the process. This act of modernization inadvertently erased a significant piece of Waterbury's unique cultural heritage.


A Legacy in Limbo

When John Greco, the originator of Holy Land USA, passed away, he left the property to a group of three nuns who had previously relocated from Waterbury to New Jersey. Unfortunately, these new caretakers did little to maintain the site, leading to its rapid deterioration.

Despite Waterbury boasting 29 Catholic churches and numerous other Christian denominations, the local religious community seemed indifferent to Holy Land's plight. For years, not a single individual or organization stepped forward to preserve this once-beloved attraction.


A Mayor's Mission

The tide began to turn when Neil O'Leary, a former police chief, was elected mayor of Waterbury. Recognizing the historical and cultural significance of Holy Land USA, Mayor O'Leary became instrumental in organizing efforts to clean up and restore the world-renowned site.

"This place is a part of Waterbury's soul," Mayor O'Leary stated.  "We couldn't stand by and watch it crumble into oblivion."


Looking Ahead

While much work remains to be done, the renewed interest in Holy Land USA offers a glimmer of hope for its future. As restoration efforts continue, many in the community are optimistic that this unique piece of religious Americana might once again welcome visitors from far and wide.
The story of Holy Land USA serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural landmarks, and the power of community action in the face of neglect and decay.

written by Claude Sonnet

Abrigado Hill 
​Archived News

Centre District
Abrigado Neighborhood
Waterbury police arrest suspect in fire at Holy Land USA
NBCConnecticut; picture, article; 2023.12.05

Centre District
Abrigado Hill Neighborhood
Connecticut Police Investigate Suspicious Incident on Interstate Highway 84
Fox61; video, article; 20230609
South End District
Abrigado Hill Neighborhood
Holy Land U.S.A.
Crews extinguish brush fire at Holy Land USA
(wtnh.com); 2023.04.12

Did Anyone From Abrigado Hill Ever Become Famous?

Yes: Rodger Conner.  

Holy Land U.S.A. Annual Fundraiser

The annual fundraising dinner to benefit Holy Land U.S.A. was hosted at la Bella Vista on Saturday, November 4th, 2017.  Holy Land, which, in it's hay day, attracted a pilgrimage of over 7,000 Jews from the City of Jerusalem every year.  The iconic monument of the once flourishing and still world-famous family theme park is located atop Abrigado Hill.  The cross, now in a third rendition and at a slightly different location, glows in liturgical sync with the Catholic religious significance.  Despite being a neighborhood-specific an world-unique cross, there was no participation, no attendance, and no representation from the Waterbury Neighborhood Council. 

Shrdlu Editorial 
on Abrigado

The Waterbury Democrat
March 12, 1934
Chronicling America
Library of Congress (loc.gov)