The Great Terrible Flood of 1955

The flood of 1955 was one of the most devastating natural disasters in the history of Waterbury, Connecticut. The flood, caused by heavy rain and melting snow, resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life, and had a profound impact on the city and its residents.

The flood began on August 19, 1955, when a hurricane hit the northeast region of the United States, bringing with it heavy rain and high winds. The rain fell on already saturated ground, and the rivers and streams in the area quickly began to overflow. In Waterbury, the Naugatuck River, which runs through the city, rose rapidly, flooding streets and homes.

The floodwaters quickly overwhelmed the city's infrastructure, including its sewage and water treatment plants, leaving thousands of residents without access to clean water or functioning toilets. The flood also destroyed roads and bridges, cutting off access to many parts of the city and making it difficult for emergency responders to reach those in need.

The impact of the flood on Waterbury's businesses was also significant. The city was a major industrial center, and many of its factories and mills were located along the Naugatuck River. The floodwaters destroyed or severely damaged many of these businesses, including the Scovill Manufacturing Company, which produced brass products and employed thousands of workers. The flood also damaged or destroyed many of the city's retail and commercial establishments, including department stores and restaurants.

In addition to the damage to businesses, the flood also had a significant impact on the city's residents. Thousands were left homeless, and many lost everything they owned. The flood claimed the lives of 37 people in Waterbury alone, and more than 100 people were injured.
The aftermath of the flood was a long and difficult process. It took weeks for the floodwaters to recede, and even longer for the city to recover. The National Guard was called in to help with the cleanup and recovery efforts, and many residents worked tirelessly to rebuild their homes and businesses.

In the years following the flood, Waterbury underwent significant changes. The city's infrastructure was improved to better handle flooding and other natural disasters, and many of the damaged buildings were replaced or repaired. However, the impact of the flood is still felt in Waterbury today, and the memories of the disaster continue to shape the city's identity.

​In conclusion, the flood of 1955 had a profound impact on Waterbury, Connecticut. It destroyed businesses and homes, left many residents without access to basic necessities, and claimed the lives of dozens of people. While the city has made significant progress in the years since the flood, the memory of the disaster remains an important part of Waterbury's history and identity.


Source: This article was written in part or whole with the assistance of artificial intelligence and it's "synthesis of general knowledge".
"In Waterbury, the water reached an estimated 35 feet in places, and was reported to have moved at rates up to 50 miles per hour." - Wiki
 "The flood hit the Naugatuck river with such fury that as many as 500 people in the Waterbury area had to be rescued by helicopter." - Wiki

More Resources

Several resources are available at Waterbury's Silas Bronson Library.  Here is a link to one of their source summaries.

Other books include: