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Hebron, Connecticut facts for kids

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Hebron, Connecticut
Town of Hebron
Old Town Hall
Old Town Hall
Official seal of Hebron, Connecticut
Seal
Motto(s): 
"Historic Charm...with a Vision for the Future"
Hebron's location within Tolland County and Connecticut Tolland County and Connecticut
Hebron's location within the Capitol Planning Region and the state of Connecticut Capitol Planning Region and Connecticut
Country  United States
U.S. state  Connecticut
County Tolland
Region Capitol Region
Incorporated 1708
Government
 • Type Board of selectmen/Town Manager
Area
 • Total 37.3 sq mi (96.6 km2)
 • Land 36.9 sq mi (95.6 km2)
 • Water 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km2)
Elevation
505 ft (154 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 9,098
 • Density 249/sq mi (96/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (Eastern)
ZIP Codes
06231, 06248
Area code(s) 860/959
FIPS code 09-37910
GNIS feature ID 0213445

Hebron (pronounced HEE-brin) is a charming town located in Tolland County, Connecticut, United States. It's part of the Capitol Planning Region, which helps towns in the area work together.

In 2020, about 9,098 people lived in Hebron. The town was officially started on May 26, 1708. Connecticut Magazine even named Hebron one of the top towns in Connecticut in 2010 for its size!

Within Hebron, you'll find smaller areas called villages: Hebron Center, Gilead, and Amston. Amston even has its own post office. There are also places where old communities once stood, like Grayville and Gay City. Today, the site of Gay City is a fun place called Gay City State Park.

Hebron's Early Days and Growth

Hebron was first settled in 1704 and officially became a town on May 26, 1708. At that time, it was part of Hartford County in the Connecticut Colony.

The unique diamond shape you see on Hebron's town seal comes from a special mark. In 1710, the Colonial Assembly made a rule that all horses in Hebron had to be marked with a diamond-shaped brand. This was a way to identify livestock.

Over the years, Hebron's county changed a few times. It became part of Windham County in 1726 and then Tolland County in 1785. In 1803, parts of Hebron were used to create the nearby town of Marlborough.

Exploring Hebron's Geography

Hebron covers a total area of about 37.3 square miles (96.6 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 36.9 square miles (95.6 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 0.4 square miles (0.9 square kilometers), is water.

Who Lives in Hebron?

The United States Census Bureau collects information about people living in towns. In 2000, there were 8,610 people living in Hebron. The population density was about 233 people per square mile.

Many families live in Hebron. In 2000, about 45% of households had children under 18 living there. The average household had almost three people.

The median age of people in Hebron was 37 years old. About 30% of the population was under 18. The town's median household income was $115,980. This means that half of the households earned more than this amount, and half earned less.

Fun Things to Do in Hebron

Annual Hebron Harvest Fair

One of the biggest and most exciting events in Hebron is the annual Hebron Harvest Fair! This fair happens every September. It's a huge attraction for both people who live in Hebron and visitors.

At the fair, you can enjoy all sorts of activities. There's bingo, delicious fried foods, and exciting rides. You can also see pig races and tractor pulls. People even compete for prizes for the best pies and the biggest pumpkins!

Parks and Outdoor Adventures

Hebron is home to Gay City State Park, which is one of Connecticut's largest state parks. It's a fantastic place for outdoor fun all year round.

The park has a long 5-mile trail around its edge, plus many smaller trails. These trails are perfect for hiking and biking through the woods. Gay City also has a pond where you can swim in the summer. You can also go fishing, have picnics, and enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter.

Hebron also has several town parks and sports fields. The Town Recreation Department organizes sports and other activities throughout the year. The Airline Trail State Park, a "rails-to-trails" path, runs through Hebron. It offers easy access points for walking, biking, and even horseback riding.

Learning in Hebron

Hebron is part of a regional school district. It hosts RHAM High School, which serves students from Hebron, Marlborough, and Andover. This means students from these three towns attend the same middle and high school.

Famous People from Hebron

Many interesting people have connections to Hebron. Here are a few:

  • Charles S. Hempstead (1794-1874): He was the first mayor of Galena, Illinois.
  • Frank Aresti (born 1967): A talented guitarist for the band Fates Warning.
  • Christopher Larkin (born 1987): An actor and singer-songwriter.
  • Tom MacArthur (born 1960): A former congressman.
  • Samuel Morey (1762–1843): An inventor.
  • William A. Palmer (1781–1860): He was a US Senator and Governor of Vermont.
  • John Samuel Peters (1772–1858): He served as the 26th Governor of Connecticut.
  • A.J. Pollock (born 1987): A professional baseball outfielder for the Seattle Mariners.
  • Benjamin Trumbull (1735–1820): A well-known historian and preacher.

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