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Plainville, Connecticut facts for kids

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Plainville, Connecticut
Town of Plainville
Plainville Municipal Center
Plainville Municipal Center
Official seal of Plainville, Connecticut
Seal
Plainville's location within Hartford County and Connecticut Hartford County and Connecticut
Plainville'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 Hartford
Region Capitol Region
Government
 • Type Council-manager
Area
 • Total 9.8 sq mi (25.3 km2)
 • Land 9.7 sq mi (25.2 km2)
 • Water 0.08 sq mi (0.2 km2)
Elevation
190 ft (58 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 17,525
 • Density 1,794/sq mi (692.7/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (Eastern)
ZIP Code
06062
Area code(s) 860/959
FIPS code 09-60120
GNIS feature ID 0213488

Plainville is a town located in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. It's part of the Capitol Planning Region. In 2020, about 17,525 people lived in Plainville.

Plainville's History

Europeans first settled in the area around Plainville in the mid-1600s. By the 1660s, this land became part of nearby Farmington.

In 1869, Plainville officially became its own town. This happened because it was quite far from Farmington's center. Also, Plainville's downtown area grew a lot after new railroads were built, like the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad.

Where is Plainville?

Plainville covers a total area of about 25.3 square kilometres (9.8 sq mi). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.

On the east side of town, you'll find two tall peaks: Pinnacle Rock and Bradley Mountain. These are part of the Metacomet Ridge, a long mountain range. The 51-mile (82 km) Metacomet Trail is a hiking path that goes over these peaks.

Plainville's Population

Plainville has grown quite a bit over the years. In 1870, there were just over 1,400 people. By 2020, the population had grown to 17,525.

Most people in Plainville are White (about 87%). Other groups include Black or African American (1.7%), Asian (4.0%), and Native American (0.9%). About 10.3% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.

The average age of people in Plainville is about 43.8 years old. Around 19.8% of the population is under 19.

Plainville's Economy

Plainville has many active businesses. Some of the top employers in town include:

  • The Town of Plainville itself
  • Manafort Construction
  • Tilcon Connecticut Inc.
  • Wheeler Clinic Inc.
  • GEMS Sensors

Major industries in Plainville are healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and retail.

Plainville is special because it owns its own airport, called Robertson Field. This is not common for towns!

Fun Things to Do in Plainville

Plainville hosts several fun events throughout the year:

  • Hot Air Balloon Festival: This happens every year at the end of August at Norton Park. People gather for games, music, and fireworks. The Plainville Fire Company helps put on this event.
  • PumpkinFest: In October, downtown Plainville comes alive with this outdoor festival. It features live music, a kids' costume parade, games, food trucks, and a haunted house. Many local businesses also take part.
  • Wings & Wheels: Held in June at Robertson Field, this event is a fly-in and car show. It helps raise money for good causes like the Petit Family Foundation and the Plainville Community Food Pantry.

Plainville has also been an important place for transportation over time. In the 1800s, the Farmington Canal served the town. It also sits where two train lines cross.

Education in Plainville

Plainville has a great school system for its young residents.

  • Elementary Schools: There are three elementary schools: Louis Toffolon School, Frank T. Wheeler School, and Linden Street School.
  • Middle School: The Middle School of Plainville serves students in grades 6 to 8. Its mascot and colors are the same as the high school.
  • High School: Plainville High School is the only high school in town. Their mascot is the Blue Devil, and their colors are blue and white. The Plainville High School cheer team has won many championships!

Famous People from Plainville

Many interesting people have come from Plainville:

  • John Bello (born 1946): He founded and used to be the CEO of SoBe, a popular drink company.
  • Ted Christopher (1958–2017): A well-known NASCAR driver.
  • Lena Santos Ferguson (1928–2004): She was the second African-American member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
  • Pauline R. Kezer (born 1942): She used to be the Secretary of the State of Connecticut.
  • Niko Koutouvides (born 1981): A former NFL football player.
  • Wendell Phillips Norton Sr. (1861–1955): He invented a special mechanical gear shift.
  • Peter Portante (born 1996): A racing driver.
  • John Harper Trumbull (1873–1961): He was the 70th governor of Connecticut.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Plainville (Connecticut) para niños

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