John Howard Whittemore Memorial Bridge, designed by renowned architect Henry Bacon and completed in 1914, was constructed to honor Whittemore’s profound contributions to Naugatuck, Connecticut. Funded largely through small donations from local residents, including schoolchildren, the bridge features a shallow arch design engineered by George Ham of Ham & Tuttle.

Originally, the bridge was adorned with marble railings that enhanced its classical design. These railings were lost in the 1950 flood, marking the first significant damage to the structure. The bridge also featured an Honor Roll plaque commemorating Naugatuck residents who served in various conflicts. However, during the catastrophic Flood of 1955, the plaque and other elements were lost. Despite these damages, the bridge withstood the flood, one of the few structures in the area to survive. A high-water mark from the 1955 flood remains visible today.

In 2016, Naugatuck began a comprehensive restoration project to restore the bridge’s historical character. The renovations included replacing the asphalt road with brick paving, constructing stone parapet walls inspired by the original design, and adding period-style lighting fixtures. Decorative lighting was also installed under the arches to highlight the bridge’s architectural features at night. The restoration was completed in 2018, and the bridge was rededicated to commemorate its historical and cultural significance.