Hartford, Providence, Rhode Island facts for kids
Hartford is a neighborhood in Providence, Rhode Island. It's located on the western side of the city. A major road called Route 6 and the Woonasquatucket River separate it from the Olneyville neighborhood.
Contents
A Look Back: Hartford's History
Early Days and Native Americans
Long ago, before European settlers arrived, the Narragansett Native American tribe lived in this area. They used the land as a quarry to dig for soapstone.
The first European settlers were farmers. In the 1600s and 1700s, they built simple houses. They enjoyed the quiet, rural setting of the area.
Growth and Industry
In the early 1800s, the nearby Woonasquatucket River helped the area become more industrial. In 1812, a factory called the Mill Merino opened. It was one of the first textile factories around, making a soft fabric called "merino cloth."
The company even built a small village for its workers. This village, called Merino Village, had stone houses, a general store, and its own water supply.
As the area grew, more people came looking for jobs. At first, many Irish immigrants moved to Hartford. Later, people from Poland and Italy also made Hartford their home.
Changes in the 1950s
The 1950s brought big changes to Hartford. A new road, Route 6, was built, which meant many working-class homes had to be torn down.
Also, two large public housing projects were built: Hartford Park and Manton Heights. These projects showed how the neighborhood's population was changing. Over time, like many public housing areas, they faced problems with neglect. In the 1980s, many of these housing units were taken down.
Who Lives in Hartford Today?
Population Mix
According to a 1990 study, most residents in Hartford were white. About one in seven people were Hispanic, and nearly 10% were African American. About 4% were Asian.
Today, the population has changed. A local group called the Providence Plan says that about 48% of residents are Hispanic. About 34% are white, and 11% are African American. About 5% are Asian, and nearly 2% are Native Americans.
Many young children in Hartford speak a language other than English at home. About 64% of children under six years old speak a different language as their main language.
Jobs and Income
In 1990, the biggest group of workers (27%) had jobs in manufacturing, like in factories. The next largest group (18%) worked in professional services, such as office jobs.
The average family income in Hartford is $28,065. This is a bit lower than the average for all of Providence. About 40% of families in Hartford live below the poverty line. Also, 18% of residents get some form of public help.
A health concern for young children is lead exposure. About 12% of children under six in Hartford have had high lead exposure. This is lower than the city's average of 19%.
Merino Park: A Green Space
Merino Park is a large park that covers about 18.6 acres. It's located right next to the Woonasquatucket River, near where the old Merino Mill used to be.
This area has had many uses over time. It was once a sheep farm, a skating pond, and even a place where trash was dumped. It was also used to store road salt. In the 1990s, the park was called a "brownfield" because it was polluted.
But in the early 2000s, the site was cleaned up and turned into a public park for everyone to enjoy.
What You Can Find at Merino Park
Merino Park has lots of fun things to do! You can find:
- A tot lot (a play area for young children)
- Picnic areas for outdoor meals
- Lighted basketball courts
- A bicycle path that connects to the Woonasquatucket River Greenway
There's also a special bridge for people walking or biking. This pedestrian bridge connects Merino Park to the Manton neighborhood.
Merino Park is the only large public park in the Hartford neighborhood. It's located between Hartford Avenue and Route 6.
