History of Hartford, Connecticut facts for kids
The history of Hartford, Connecticut is a very important part of Connecticut's story. It has also played a big role in the history of the United States.
Contents
Early Days: How Hartford Began
Hartford was first settled by people from Europe, but Native Americans lived there long before. They called the area Suckiaug.
Dutch Traders Arrive
Around 1623, Dutch fur traders from New Amsterdam (which is now New York City) came to the area. They set up a trading post called Fort Goede Hoop, or 'Hope House'. This helped expand the New Netherland colony, which included parts of modern-day New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. By 1633, the Dutch had built a small fort there. They left the fort by 1654, but the area is still known as Dutch Point.
English Settlers and Thomas Hooker
The first English settlers arrived in 1635. A minister named Thomas Hooker and Governor John Haynes led about 100 settlers. They brought 130 cows with them on a long journey from Newtown (now Cambridge, Massachusetts). They started their new town just north of the Dutch fort.
The settlement was first called Newtown. But in 1637, its name was changed to Hartford. This was to honor the English town of Hertford. These towns have been around for over 375 years!
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
The new colony along the Connecticut River faced a problem. It was outside the rules of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. So, Thomas Hooker wrote a special document called the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut. This document said that the power to govern came from the people themselves, not from a higher authority.
On May 31, 1638, Hooker famously said: The foundation of authority is laid, firstly, in the free consent of the people.
Many historians believe Hooker's ideas about self-rule helped inspire the United States Constitution. The Orders were officially approved on January 14, 1639. They were written into the Connecticut Colony records by future Governor Thomas Welles.
Hartford in the 1800s
The 19th century was a time of big changes and important movements in Hartford.
The Hartford Convention
On December 15, 1814, a meeting called the Hartford Convention took place in the city. Representatives from the five New England states met there. They discussed New England's concerns during the War of 1812.
Fighting Against Slavery
In the early 1800s, Hartford became a center for the abolitionist movement. This movement worked to end slavery. The Beecher family was very famous for their anti-slavery work.
- Reverend Lyman Beecher was a minister known for his sermons against slavery.
- His daughter, Harriet Beecher Stowe, wrote the famous book Uncle Tom's Cabin. This book helped many people understand the cruelty of slavery.
- Her brother, Reverend Henry Ward Beecher, also strongly opposed slavery. He supported other causes like the temperance movement and women's right to vote.
- Another sister, Isabella Beecher Hooker, was a leader in the women's rights movement.
In 1860, Hartford was where the first "Wide Awakes" group started. These were supporters of Abraham Lincoln who were against slavery. They held torch-light parades that were like big parties. They often had fireworks and music to celebrate Lincoln's visits. This type of event became very popular for political campaigns later on.
Hartford in the 1900s
The 20th century brought both challenges and changes to Hartford.
The Hartford Circus Fire
On July 6, 1944, Hartford experienced a terrible event. A fire broke out during a performance of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. This event is known as the Hartford Circus Fire.
Changes After World War II
After World War II, many people from Puerto Rico moved to Hartford. Even today, you can see Puerto Rican flags around the city. Former Hartford Mayor Eddie Pérez was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Hartford when he was 12.
Starting in the late 1950s, Hartford began to face some difficulties. Many people moved to the growing suburbs around the city. Large department stores in downtown Hartford, like Brown Thompson and Sage-Allen, closed down. People started shopping more at new suburban malls.
The Hartford Whalers Hockey Team
In 1975, the New England Whalers hockey team moved into the new Hartford Civic Center. They were part of the World Hockey Association. In 1979, they joined the National Hockey League. Many famous hockey players played for the Whalers, including Gordie Howe and Ron Francis.
Sadly, in 1997, the city lost its professional hockey team. The Hartford Whalers moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. This happened even though more people were buying season tickets and the state offered to build a new arena.
Hartford's population also decreased by 11 percent during the 1990s. However, the population has grown again since the year 2000.
Hartford Today: The 21st Century
In recent years, Hartford has started to see a lot of new interest and growth. Many projects have been finished, are being built, or are planned for the future.
These projects include new buildings for businesses and homes. Examples are Adriaen's Landing and the Connecticut Science Center. There are also new trails and parks along the river. Improvements are being made in neighborhoods like Park Street and Parkville. Even the historic Colt building is being fixed up to become part of a National Park.
Images for kids
-
Hartford city. Circa 1840s
-
Downtown Hartford in 2019
.jpg)
