Overview

Hartford is the capital of the U.S. state of Connecticut and a regional center in New England. Located on the Connecticut River, it grew from a 17th-century settlement into an administrative, cultural and economic hub. The city is widely associated with the insurance industry and a collection of historic neighborhoods, museums and academic institutions.

History

European settlers established Hartford in the 1630s; Thomas Hooker and his followers are commonly credited with founding the community in 1635. The city played a role in early colonial governance and later industrialization. A well-known local legend, the Charter Oak, symbolizes Connecticut’s early constitutional autonomy: according to tradition a colonial charter was hidden inside a large oak tree to keep it from revocation.

Culture and institutions

Hartford has several notable cultural and educational institutions. Landmarks include the Connecticut State Capitol, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art (one of the oldest public art museums in the United States), the Mark Twain House and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center. Colleges such as Trinity College and the University of Hartford contribute to civic life.

Economy and importance

The city long has been a center for insurance and financial services; a number of major insurance companies have headquarters or large operations there, which has earned Hartford the informal title of an insurance capital. The local economy also includes healthcare, education, government services and a mix of professional and small businesses.

Name, other places and usage

The name "Hartford" likely derives from Old English elements meaning a ford where deer (harts) crossed. Variants of the name appear in several places across the United States and the United Kingdom; examples include Hartford, Cheshire (England) and Hartford in several U.S. states such as Vermont and Michigan. "Hartford" also appears as a surname and in corporate names.

Notable facts and distinctions

  • Hartford is home to long-established cultural institutions and one of the nation’s oldest continuously published newspapers.
  • The city has experienced periods of industrial growth, suburbanization and more recent revitalization and redevelopment efforts.
  • Sports and popular memory: Hartford was once home to an NHL franchise and continues to support minor-league professional teams and regional events.