Redesigned in 1895 by the prominent architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, the Naugatuck Green serves as the town’s civic and social heart. The land for the Green was donated by Joseph B. Beecher in 1831, while local industrialist and philanthropist John Howard Whittemore commissioned the redesign to create a beautiful, classical public space. Laid out in an axial plan, the Green includes paved walkways leading to two major monuments—the Soldiers' Monument and the Memorial Fountain.

The Soldiers' Monument, erected in 1885 and known locally as "Uncle Ebenezer," honors Civil War veterans. The monument features a statue of an infantryman resting on his musket atop a granite obelisk, symbolizing the town’s respect for those who served. The monument was dedicated on May 30, 1885, during Decoration Day.

Installed in 1895, the Memorial Fountain complements the Soldiers' Monument with a granite structure featuring egg-and-dart moldings and stone spheres. Originally, water flowed from a lion’s head into a fluted basin, adding both beauty and function to the space.

Framed by trees and pink granite bollards, the Green aligns Church Street with Maple Street, creating a grand entrance to the town center. Beyond its architectural elegance, the Green has long been a venue for public events and gatherings, reflecting the community spirit fostered by Beecher’s donation and Whittemore’s vision.

The attractive walks and landscaping were carried out by Charles William Eliot, son of President Eliot of Harvard. The Green, with its well-planned layout and inviting spaces, serves as a testament to both the town’s history and the community-focused vision of its benefactors.

Across the street, near the horseshoe-shaped area, is the World War I Memorial, sculpted by Evelyn Beatrice Longman in collaboration with Henry Bacon. This limestone monument, erected in 1921, takes the form of a sarcophagus resting on a pink granite slab. Low bas-relief figures on the east face represent peace and war. The north and south faces feature sacrificial ram’s heads connected by fruit garlands, symbolizing both sacrifice and hope. The west face contains the names of local men who served in the war, commemorating their contribution to the nation during a pivotal time in history.

The Naugatuck Green, Soldiers’ Monument, Memorial Fountain, and World War I Memorial were each designated as a part of the Naugatuck Center Historic District on July 30, 1999.