County of hartford
connecticut
History & Founding
Located in the north-central region of Connecticut, this county holds a significant place in the state’s history and continues to be a vibrant hub of activity. Established in 1683, it was initially known as Hartford County, named after the town of Hartford, which itself was named for Hertford in England. The county’s creation reflected the burgeoning population and expanding needs of the Connecticut Colony. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, it served as a crucial agricultural and industrial center, playing a vital role in Connecticut's economic development. A fascinating anecdote from its early history involves the Charter Oak, a massive oak tree under which the colonists famously reasserted their original charter after its revocation by the British Crown in 1684. Though the original tree perished, its legacy remains a powerful symbol of Connecticut's fight for self-governance.
Geography & Landscape
The county’s geography is characterized by rolling hills, fertile river valleys, and a mix of forested areas and developed landscapes. It occupies a strategic position within the Connecticut River Valley, bordered by the Massachusetts state line to the north. The Connecticut River itself flows through the county, providing a vital waterway and contributing to the region’s rich agricultural land. Several smaller rivers and streams, such as the Park River and Salmon Brook, also meander through the area. The terrain generally slopes eastward towards the Atlantic coast, with elevations ranging from around 20 feet along the river to over 600 feet in the northern regions. The climate is humid continental, with warm summers, cold winters, and moderate precipitation throughout the year.
Economy & Communities
A diverse range of communities contribute to the county’s character. Major towns include West Hartford, Farmington, Rocky Hill, and Wethersfield, each offering distinct residential and commercial environments. The economy is a blend of professional services, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. While agriculture remains a part of the landscape, particularly in the eastern portions of the county, it's largely overshadowed by suburban and urban development. Notable employers include Hartford Healthcare, Aetna (now part of CVS Health), and the University of Hartford. The area is predominantly suburban, with pockets of urban density in and around Hartford, the county seat. The county encompasses 46 distinct towns and cities, each with its own unique identity and contributing to the overall vibrancy of the region.
Points of Interest
Numerous points of interest draw visitors and residents alike. Elizabeth Park in West Hartford is renowned for its stunning rose garden. The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford offers a glimpse into the life of the celebrated author. The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection spanning centuries. The annual Hartford Jazz Festival and the Saint Patrick's Day parade are popular community events. Notable residents throughout history have included Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of *Uncle Tom's Cabin*, and Ella Grasso, the first female governor of Connecticut. The county holds the distinction of being home to the oldest continuously operating public art museum in the United States, the Wadsworth Atheneum.
Information
- State
- connecticut
- Type
- County
- Population
- 857,183
- Land area
- 736 sq mi
- Capital
- Hartford
- Time zone
- UTC-5
- FIPS
- 09003
46 Cities
| City | Population | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| Hartford | 121,578 | 75 ft (23 m) |
| New Britain | 71,538 | 190 ft (58 m) |
| West Hartford | 63,589 | 136 ft (41 m) |
| Bristol | 60,062 | 289 ft (88 m) |
| Manchester | 54,740 | 272 ft (83 m) |
| East Hartford | 49,575 | 60 ft (18 m) |
| Enfield | 45,212 | 154 ft (47 m) |
| Southington | 39,728 | 165 ft (50 m) |
| Glastonbury | 31,876 | 90 ft (27 m) |
| Newington | 29,306 | 98 ft (30 m) |
| Windsor | 28,237 | 57 ft (17 m) |
| Wethersfield | 26,271 | 45 ft (14 m) |
| South Windsor | 24,412 | - |
| Farmington | 23,641 | 245 ft (75 m) |
| Simsbury | 23,234 | 181 ft (55 m) |
| Bloomfield | 19,587 | 121 ft (37 m) |
| Berlin | 18,215 | 100 ft (30 m) |
| Rocky Hill | 17,966 | 130 ft (40 m) |
| Plainville | 17,328 | 191 ft (58 m) |
| Avon | 15,832 | 202 ft (62 m) |
| Suffield | 13,552 | 200 ft (61 m) |
| Windsor Locks | 12,043 | 90 ft (27 m) |
| Granby | 10,347 | 215 ft (66 m) |
| East Windsor | 9,818 | - |
| Canton | 8,840 | 347 ft (106 m) |
| Kensington | 8,541 | 84 ft (26 m) |
| Burlington | 8,190 | 840 ft (256 m) |
| Thompsonville | 8,125 | 110 ft (34 m) |
| Southwood Acres | 8,067 | - |
| Glastonbury Center | 7,157 | - |
| Marlborough | 5,709 | 508 ft (155 m) |
| Sherwood Manor | 5,689 | - |
| Hazardville | 4,900 | 180 ft (55 m) |
| East Granby | 4,745 | 193 ft (59 m) |
| Broad Brook | 3,469 | 90 ft (27 m) |
| Blue Hills | 3,020 | - |
| Weatogue | 2,805 | - |
| Collinsville | 2,686 | 325 ft (99 m) |
| Salmon Brook | 2,453 | - |
| West Simsbury | 2,395 | 323 ft (98 m) |
| Hartland | 2,012 | 1,123 ft (342 m) |
| North Granby | 1,720 | 293 ft (89 m) |
| Canton Valley | 1,565 | - |
| Tariffville | 1,371 | 180 ft (55 m) |
| Suffield Depot | 1,244 | - |
| Terramuggus | 1,048 | - |