Haunted Waterbury & the Naugatuck Valley

by Michael J. Bielawa

Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley have a rich and varied history, but some of its darker chapters have remained hidden. These include an abandoned road guarded by an invisible entity, factory ghosts, a monstrous serpent, unnerving cemetery lore, demonic houses and a haunted restaurant. Once declared dead due to decades of being inundated with industrial and chemical pollutants, the Naugatuck River has been brought back to life by environmental stewardship, which has been a welcome benefit to residents. However, the river’s cleanup has also awakened supernatural stories that carve a paranormal path from the stream’s source in northwest Connecticut to its confluence with the Housatonic. Local author and historian Michael Bielawa reveals the eerie dark side of the river and this fabled valley.

176 pages, Paperback

Published August 12, 2025

Reviews

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This intriguing anthology of short stories of hauntings and ghost stories in Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley (CT). Each tale offers a glimpse into eerie encounters, mysterious happenings, and ghostly legends rooted in local folklore. Some more scary and vivid than others, but most chronicle the 1860 – early 1900’s. this collection offers a fascinating look at the supernatural side of Connecticut’s history. Topics include:

Rose Cottage (Waterbury)
The Midnight Watchman (Ansonia)
Tales of the Bloody Hookman (Seymour)
Birmingham National Bank aka Twisted Vine Restaurant (Derby)
The Watertown Wyrm
Kinneytown Entity (Seymour)