 Various Algonquian bands, often included in the Wappinger tribe, originally inhabited the Naugatuck River Valley.In fact, the name "Naugatuck" is derived from an Algonquian term meaning "lone tree by the fishing place".One early 19th century author explained that this name originally referred to a specific tree along the river in the area of modern-day Beacon Falls, but came to be applied broadly to the entire river over time.