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Timeline of Hartford, Connecticut facts for kids

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Hartford, Connecticut, has a long and interesting history! This timeline will take you on a journey through the most important events that shaped the city, from its early days as a Dutch trading post to the modern city it is today. You'll learn about how it grew, the important buildings that were built, and some of the people who made a difference.

Early Days: Before the 1800s

  • 1623 – The Dutch West India Company built a trading post called Fort Hoop.
  • 1635 – English settlers arrived in the area.
  • 1636 – A group from the First Church in New Town, Massachusetts, moved to what was then called "Newtown," Connecticut.
  • 1637
    • The settlement was officially renamed Hartford.
    • The main town square was planned and laid out.
  • 1638 – A Latin school was started, which was an early form of high school.
  • 1640 – The Ancient Burying Ground was established.
  • 1647 – Alse Young was executed for witchcraft. This was a very early and sad event in the colony's history.
  • 1662 – Hartford began serving as the capital of the Connecticut Colony.
  • 1670 – A treaty was signed with local Native American tribes.
  • 1701 – Hartford and New Haven were both named joint capitals of the Connecticut Colony.
  • 1764 – The Connecticut Courant newspaper started being published. It's one of the oldest newspapers in the U.S.!
  • 1774 – The Library Company was formed, creating a place for books.
  • 1775 – The 4th Connecticut Regiment was organized, ready for the American Revolution.
  • 1783 – The town of East Hartford became a separate town from Hartford.
  • 1784
    • Hartford officially became a chartered city.
    • The American Mercury newspaper began publication.
  • 1788 – A woollen mill started operating in the city.
  • 1790 – The population of Hartford was 2,683 people.
  • 1792 – Hartford Bank was officially created.
  • 1796
  • 1797 – Joseph Steward opened his museum.

Growing Up: The 1800s

  • 1810 – The Hartford Fire Insurance Company was officially started.
  • 1812 – Chauncey Goodrich was elected as the mayor.
  • 1814
    • The Hartford Convention took place, a meeting of New England Federalists.
    • Phoenix Bank was officially created.
  • 1818
    • A bridge was built over the Connecticut River.
    • The American Asylum for Deaf-mutes was started. This was the first permanent school for the deaf in the United States.
  • 1819 – Aetna Insurance Company and Society for Savings were officially started.
  • 1820 – The population grew to 4,726 people.
  • 1823
  • 1824 – Nathaniel Terry became the new mayor.
  • 1825 – The Connecticut Historical Society was established to preserve history.
  • 1826 – The Hartford Times newspaper began publication.
  • 1827 – Christ Church Cathedral was built.
  • 1830 – The population reached 7,074 people.
  • 1838 – The Hartford Young Men's Institute was formed.
  • 1840 – The population grew to 9,468 people.
  • 1844
    • The Hartford and New Haven Railroad and Hartford and Springfield Railroad began operating, connecting Hartford to other cities.
    • The Wadsworth Atheneum opened, becoming one of the oldest public art museums in the U.S.
  • 1848 – Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company was founded by Samuel Colt.
  • 1850 – The population was 13,555 people.
  • 1853 – Aetna Life Insurance Company was officially created.
  • 1854
  • 1856
    • The city was rechartered with new rules.
    • The famous Charter Oak tree fell during a storm.
  • 1860
    • The Boys' Club was founded.
    • The population reached 26,917 people.
    • The police department was established.
  • 1864 – Travelers Insurance Company was founded.
  • 1868
    • Bushnell Park was laid out, creating a beautiful green space.
    • Cedar Hill Cemetery was consecrated.
  • 1874 – Mark Twain's house was built on Farmington Avenue.
  • 1878
    • George G. Sumner was elected mayor.
    • The impressive State Capitol building was constructed.
    • Pope Manufacturing Company started making Columbia Bicycles.
  • 1880 – Morgan Bulkeley became mayor.
  • 1886 – The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch was dedicated.
  • 1889 – Union Station was built, a major train station.
  • 1890 – The population grew to 53,230 people.
  • 1892 – The Hartford Public Library opened its doors.
  • 1896 – The city was consolidated.
  • 1897 – Elizabeth Park was laid out.
  • 1898 – Pope Park was also laid out.

The 20th Century: Modern Hartford

  • 1901 – The Underwood Typewriter Company factory began operating.
  • 1908
    • The Bridge over the Connecticut River was rebuilt.
    • The Royal Typewriter Company factory started operating.
  • 1909 – A significant flood occurred.
  • 1910
    • The Connecticut State Library and Supreme Court Building were constructed.
    • The population reached 98,915 people.
  • 1919 – The Travelers Tower was built, a prominent skyscraper.
  • 1920 – The Hartt School was founded, focusing on music and performing arts.
  • 1921 – The University of Connecticut School of Law was established.
  • 1925 – WTIC (AM) radio began broadcasting.
  • 1930 – The Horace Bushnell Memorial Hall opened.
  • 1934 – The Symphony Society of Greater Hartford was formed.
  • 1935 – Thomas J. Spellacy was elected mayor.
  • 1938 – A major hurricane hit the area.
  • 1944
    • Parts of Interstate 84 were constructed.
    • The tragic circus fire occurred.
  • 1945 – The State governor's residence moved to Prospect Avenue in Hartford.
  • 1947 – Bradley International Airport was established.
  • 1950 – The population reached 177,397 people.
  • 1957 – The University of Hartford was officially chartered.
  • 1962 – The Cathedral of St. Joseph was rebuilt.
  • 1963 – Hartford Stage was founded.
  • 1964 – Constitution Plaza was built.
  • 1967 – Greater Hartford Community College was established.
  • 1968 – The Harriet Beecher Stowe House museum opened.
  • 1974 – The Mark Twain House museum opened.
  • 1975
  • 1979 – The Hartford Whalers hockey team became active in the city.
  • 1980
    • The population was 136,392 people.
    • City Place I was built.
  • 1987 – Carrie Saxon Perry was elected mayor.
  • 1992 – Capital Community College was established.
  • 1999 – Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy was established.

The 21st Century: Today's Hartford

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Timeline of Hartford, Connecticut Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.