Situated in the US state of Connecticut, Hartford city is known for being the insurance capital of the world. With a population of 124,775, it is the fourth largest and the oldest city in the state. Hartford is known for being home to a plethora of historical sites including iconic landmarks, world class museums, performance theaters, huge libraries, verdant parks along with a flourishing art and cultural scene in the city.
History of Hartford
Founded in the year 1637, Hartford is the oldest city in Connecticut. In June 1636, about a group of 100 Europeans led by Rev. Thomas Hooker arrived here and settled on the banks of River Connecticut. Prior to the Europeans, this area was initially occupied by The Saukiogs. Across the river, the area that is now East Hartford, South Windsor and Glastonbury, was occupied by the Podunks and to the west (present day Farmington), The Tunxis had taken.
In the year 1614, Dutch traders headed by Adriaen Van Block arrived in Hartford area, after which an outbreak of smallpox or measles killed majority of the Podunk tribe. In 1631, Wahginnacut, the chief of Podunk, traveled to Massachusetts and requested the English colonists for a new settlement near the Connecticut River Valley. After they arrived, they realized that Hartford was under the rule of Saukiog, who sold them the present day Hartford and West Hartford land in the year 1636. After suffering numerous defeats, the Saukiog remained relatively friendly with the English colonists and lived near the Hartford area till the year of 1730.
Important Locations in Hartford
As the capital of Connecticut, Hartford is one of the oldest cities in the state. With a myriad of sightseeing options and abundant natural beauty, the city of Hartford is on its way of becoming a popular historic destination in the county. Here are some popular places for tourists to explore in Hartford:
The Mark Twain House & Museum
One of the most important notable tourist spots in Hartford, The Mark Twain House belonged to Samuel Langhorne Clemens, also known as Mark Twain, and his family between the period of 1874 and 1891. Built in an American High Gothic style, this house was named as one of the ten best historic houses by National Geographic in its Ten Best Everything publication. For more information on tours and schedules,
click here.
Address: 351 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105, United States
Phone: 1 860 247 0998
Connecticut State Capitol
Located near the lush Bushnell Park in the city, Connecticut State Capitol has become a National Historic Landmark of Hartford. Opened in 1878, the building is made out of pure white marble topped with a shiny golden dome. Connecticut State Capitol is home to the Connecticut General Assembly, State Senate, Governor of the State of Connecticut, House of Representatives and the Connecticut Supreme Court. For more information about the tours,
click here.
Address: 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: 1 (860) 240 0222
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch
Established in 1886, the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch is the first permanent war memorial and triumphal arch in America. Located in Bushnell Park, the arch represents all the people who left their families to fight in the American Civil War. Designed by architect - George Keller, the monument is made out of brownstone and also depicts scenes from the war. For more information,
click here.
Address: 100 Wells St, Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: 1 (860) 232 6710
Cathedral of St. Joseph
Established on 15th May 1962, Cathedral of St. Joseph is known for being the mother church of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford. It was designed by Eggers & Higgins and is 281 feet in height with 12 Carillon bells and beautifully crafted stained glass windows, which were made in Paris. With more than 8,000 pipes, Cathedral of St. Joseph is also home to the largest pipe organ in Connecticut. Read more about the Cathedral over
here.
Address: 140 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105, United States
Phone: 1 860 249 8431
XL Center
A multi-purpose convention center and arena, XL Center is the 28th largest basketball arena in the country. One can do a number of things over here including attend concerts, ice-skating spectaculars, trade shows, consumer events and the exhilarating Hartford Wolf Pack games. For more information,
click here.
Address: 1 Civic Center Plaza, Hartford, CT 06120, United States
Phone: 1 877 522 8499
People and Culture of Hartford
According to the 2010 Census of United States of America, Hartford had a population of 188,040. This city is a dwelling for several racial compositions including White (29.8%), Hispanic (43.4%), Non-Hispanic (15.8%), African American (38.7%), Native American (0.6%), Asians (2.8%), Pacific Islander (0%), Other Races (23.9%) and Two or more Races (4.2%).
Time Zone and Phone Codes of Hartford
Hartford is in the Eastern Time Zone (UTC – 5). The Summer Daylight Saving Time (DST) is Eastern Daylight Time (UTC − 4).
Standard Time Zone: UTC – 5 hours
Daylight Saving Time: UTC – 4 hours
Daylight Saving Time: 1 hour
Time Zone Abbreviation: EST and EDT
Phone Codes of Hartford
Hartford Area Code: 860, 959
International Country Code: 1
Best Time to Visit Hartford
The best time to visit Hartford is between the months of May and June, and September and October, when the city’s’ floras are in full form. However, if you are not a fan of crowds and do not like waiting in lines, then it is best to avoid going during Autumn season.
Seasonal Events and Festivals in Hartford
Connecticut Flower & Garden Show (February)
Greater Hartford St. Patrick's Day Parade (March)
Glastonbury River Run (April)
Greater Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade (June)
Elizabeth Park Rose Weekend (June)
St. Paul Travelers Championship (June)
Celebrate! West Hartford (June)
Connecticut GAY Pride Festival (June)
Red Dress Run for Women (July)
Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz (July)
Riverfest 4th July Celebration (July)
Riverfront Dragon Boat & Asian Festival (August)
Greater Hartford West Indian Parade (August)
Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival (August)
Discover Hartford Bicycle and Walking Tour (September)
The Hartford International Jazz Festival (October)
Hooker Day Parade (October)
Connecticut Veterans Parade (November)
Hartford Festival of Light (November to January)
First Night Hartford (December)
Hartford Map
