BigDaddyData.Com: Connecticut Hartford

GENERAL INFORMATION
"Of all the beautiful towns it has been my fortune to see, this is the chief.” --Mark TwainFOUNDERS

     Dutch mariner Adraien Block was the first to explore the area in 1614. The "House of Hope" fort and trading post was established in 1633. Hartford, originally called "Newtown" was settled in 1635 by John Steel and Samuel Stone followed by Rev. Thomas Hooker and his congregation in 1636.

    The name Hartford comes from ‘Samuel Stone's birthplace: Hertford, England.

    The Fundamental Orders, considered the first constitution (hence why Connecticut is called the "Constitution State") were written to govern Hartford in 1639. Hartford was incorporated in 1784.

WHERE IS HARTFORD

     Located along the western side of the Connecticut River, the City is approximately six (6) miles from north to south, and, approximately three (3) miles from east to west. Hartford is 100 miles from both Boston (to the east) and New York City (to the south).

SOME DEMOGRAPHICS

Population: The population of Hartford is approximately 130,073 (1998 Claritas study)

Average Household Income in Hartford is estimated at $34,967 (1998 Claritas study). The capital region which includes Hartford is the 13th most prosperous in the nation.

Median Age: The median age in Hartford is 30.4 years (1997 Claritas study).

Literacy: High School Graduate or Higher: 60.4% of Hartford residents and 80.2% of Hartford Metropolitan Area residents have completed high school or higher. Hartford is home to: Trinity College, UCONN Law School, University of Hartford, Rensselaer Graduate Institute and Capital Community College. There are three public high schools, three middle schools, and 27 grammar schools; a Performing Arts Academy; a Sports Science Academy; a Montessori School and several Head-start centers as well as many private schools of various types.

Race/Ethnicity: The City of Hartford is approximately 38% Black (mostly African-American with a small, but significant population of West Indian Americans); 39% Hispanic/Latino (mostly Puerto Rican American with a small population of Cuban and other Latin Americans); 22% White (mostly of western European heritage). There is also a small population (1%) of Asian, American Indians, and Pacific islanders. (1998 Claritas Study).

GOVERNMENT

Form Of Government: The City of Hartford has had a council-manager form of government since 1947 with an elected Mayor and Treasurer and nine (9) council members. Terms of office are two years. Elections are held in odd years. No more than six members may be from the same party. The City Manager is appointed by the Court of Common Council.

Budget: The city budget for 2000-2001 including grants and other funds is $475 million of which $241million is budgeted for schools/education. (Most of the $241million comes from state aid for education).

MAJOR EMPLOYERS

Hartford is known as the insurance capital of the world. The first insurance company (Hartford Fire Insurance Company) was established in 1794. Several major insurance companies are headquartered in the city: Aetna, Cigna, Lincoln, Mass. Mutual, Phoenix, Travelers, Hartford Steam Boiler, and The Hartford as well as others. Financial institutions and firms are another major employer in Hartford along with utility companies, government, hospital/healthcare, real estate and law firms. Other notable employers are technology (UTC is headquartered in Hartford), manufacturing, construction, hotel and food service. For the last two consecutive years (1999 and 2000) Hartford is the only city in the Northeast to rank in the top 30 real estate markets for business attraction (17th place which is within the top 10% nationwide) per "Expansion Management Magazine."

Unemployment Rates: As of June 2000 the unemployment rate for the city of Hartford was 5.3%; for the Greater Hartford Labor Area, 2.8%; and for the state of Connecticut, 2.6%.

TRANSPORTATION

    Hartford is served by AMTRAK trains, several interstate bus companies and local bus service (CT. Transit Authority).Major highways through Hartford include I-91 (north and south); I-84 (east and west); RT. 2 (east/west). An inner city/downtown circuit line is scheduled to be implemented in 2002. The "Dial a Ride" program administered by the City provides rides to elderly and disabled residents. Bradley International Airport is approximately 20 minutes north of Hartford via I-91. Brainard Airport in the southeast area of the City provides regional air service as well as corporate and private air travel.

QUALITY OF LIFE

    "If you don't like the weather in New England, wait five minutes." --Unknown

Accessibility: Most municipal buildings are accessible, with curb cuts at most intersections in the downtown and throughout the various residential areas. Connecticut Transit buses are equipped with lifts and there is an ADA Paratransit system available through the Greater Hartford Transit District.

Arts and Attractions: Hartford has long been known for its arts. Many Broadway shows had their premier in Hartford. Today there are two professional theatres and several semi-professional and amateur theatre companies in the city. The Bushnell Auditorium regularly presents Broadway shows, opera, ballet, symphony, etc. The Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest public art museum in the country, is a well respected fine arts museum (one of the top ten in the country). There are also many art galleries and spaces throughout the city. The Artists Collective just opened a new multi-arts facility that includes classes for all ages with a special emphasis on African-American music and dance. Other major attractions in Hartford are: Bushnell Park where the Soldiers And Sailors Memorial Arch and the Carousel are located; the Old State House Museum; the Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe houses ("Nook Farm"); the State Capitol; and the Elizabeth Park Rose Garden.

Climate: Temperatures range from average highs in the 20's and 30's (°F) in December, January, and February, to average highs in the 70's and 80's in June, July and August. Snow is common in the months of December through March.

Drinking Water: Provided to all properties through the Metropolitan District Commission, which operates several reservoirs in Hartford county. All properties in the City are connected to the public sewer system as well.

Festivals and Parades: There are many festivals and parades held in the city annually. Some of the most notable are: the African-American Parade and Festival (end of September); the Fourth of July Riverfest; the Jazz Festival (mid-late July); Mark Twain Days (early-mid August); the Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival; St. Patrick's Day Parade; Columbus Day Parade; the Italian Festa (Columbus Day weekend); the Greek Festival (end of June); the West Indian Parade and Festival (week long festival in August); the Thomas Hooker Day Parade (early October); the Festival of Lights (day after Thanksgiving thru New Year's); and First Night (New Year's Eve).

Hospitals: The City is served by two major hospitals: Hartford Hospital just south of downtown and Saint Francis Hospital in the west end. (Mt. Sinai Hospital in the north end of Hartford has been acquired by St. Francis Hospital and provides limited services). The University of Connecticut - Dempsey Hospital located 15 minutes outside of Hartford also serves Hartford residents. The Community Health Services Clinic on Albany Avenue, just north of downtown provides outpatient and preventive care.

Housing: There are over 50,000 units of housing in the City within approximately 11-12,000 structures. House prices currently run from under $100,000 for smaller single family homes in average condition to over $200,000 for higher end homes. There are a small number of estate homes in the over $400,000 category. There is a wide range of condominiums, mostly one-two bedrooms, and, a large stock of rental units located within two-three family structures and larger apartment buildings/complexes. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment with heat ranges from $600 - $800.

Library: In addition to the main library downtown, there are nine(9) branch libraries throughout the city, a library on wheels, and services for shut-ins.

Neighborhoods: Hartford has many diverse neighborhoods, each with its own neighborhood market/commercial district. Foods and goods from all over the world can be found in the various neighborhoods throughout the city. Most neighborhoods have active neighborhood organizations that work to maintain the integrity and character of the neighborhood, preserve significant historic features, and insure quality of life for all.

Newspapers: The Hartford Courant (the oldest continuously published paper in the country) is the major daily newspaper in Hartford. There are, however, several weekly papers covering news of interest to residents and also arts and entertainment: The Hartford Advocate; The Hartford News (including a Spanish section); The Hartford Inquirer; The Northend Agent; The Westender. Also, The West Indian News and Hartford! (an arts and entertainment magazine) which are published monthly.

Parks and Recreation: Hartford has many public parks including six major parks and two public golf courses, one of which in Keney Park, was recently rated as the 13th best course in the central Connecticut area. Bushnell Park in downtown Hartford is the oldest public park in America and was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted who designed Central Park in New York City and Boston's "emerald necklace." The City also has three riverfront parks with boat docks/launches on the Connecticut River which was recently designated as an American Heritage River.

Public Safety: There are 12 fire stations, 386 Firefighters, 5 first line fire trucks, 11 first line fire engines, one tactical unit; average response time is 4.4 minutes. Hartford has 460 sworn Police Officers, a Bomb Squad, a Mounted unit and a K-9 unit. The department employs the Community Service Oriented concept of policing and several neighborhoods have Community Service Officers assigned specifically to them.

Sanitation: The City collects garbage and recyclables weekly at no charge to residents.

Shopping: Pratt Street, Main Street, and Asylum Street are the main locations for shopping in downtown Hartford. There are also many small boutique style shops in the various neighborhoods especially on Park Street, Albany Avenue, Franklin Avenue, Farmington Ave, to name a few. The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum and the Old State House Museum also have great gift shops. For those who can't survive without those large indoor shopping malls, there are several within minutes of Hartford.

Sports: Hartford has three professional sports teams: CT Pride, basketball; Hartford Wolf Pack, hockey (winner of the Calder Cup 2000); Hartford Sea Wolves, arena football. Hartford also has professional and amateur boxing, a soccer league, a cricket team, a track club, an annual marathon, and is in negotiations/planning for a minor league baseball team/stadium. College basketball is also played in the Civic Center & local colleges. UCONN Huskies won the NCAA Women's Championship in 2000. Hartford has three professional sports teams: CT Pride, basketball; Hartford Wolf Pack, hockey (winner of the Calder Cup 2000); Hartford Sea Wolves, arena football.

Taxes: The mill rate in Hartford for 2000-2001 is 47 mills for real property and personal property such as vehicles, business equipment, etc. However, due to state legislative relief all residential properties consisting of one – three units are taxed substantially lower (mid 20's mill rate equivalent). All property is assessed at 70% of fair market value. The last revaluation was in 1999. Low-income elderly, veterans, blind and disabled also pay lower taxes and there is a rebate program for low income elderly renters.

    There are no county taxes in Connecticut, nor city or county income tax. The state income tax is 3 - 4.5%; however credit is given for some of the property taxes paid to cities and towns, so the net state income tax is usually less. There are also many exemptions for businesses. Both the city and the state also offer many incentives for businesses.

Utilities: Major utilities available to residents and businesses include electric, natural gas, cable TV and telephone. Many properties are also heated with oil, which is delivered by truck. Kerosene heaters are not allowed in the city; fireplaces and wood stoves are allowed.

HARTFORD NOTABLES

The Old State House, 800 Main Street, is the oldest state house in the country.

The Hartford Courant, founded in 1764, is the oldest continuous newspaper in the country.

The Wadsworth Atheneum Art Museum is the oldest public art museum in the country.

Fredrick Law Olmsted who designed Central Park in New York City and Boston's "emerald necklace" designed Bushnell Park in downtown Hartford. Bushnell Park is America's oldest public park.

The Travelers Insurance Company Tower Building at 740 Main Street is New England's first skyscraper; its beacon at the top of the tower has been a landmark since 1936. The building also sits on the site where the original Charter mysteriously disappeared when candles suddenly blew out before it could be rescinded by King James; the Charter was then hidden in the "Charter Oak" tree a few blocks to the south.

The Aetna Insurance Company headquarters building at 151 Farmington Avenue is the largest brick colonial structure in the U.S.

The Phoenix Insurance Company headquarters building (known as the "boat building") is the world's first two sided building. This 1960's glass and steel structure faces the river and is connected to the new Riverfront Plaza downtown.

The State Capitol in Hartford is one of few in the country with a gold dome; the interior is also well worth a visit.

The Bushnell Tower Condominium building located at the corner of Main and Gold Streets was designed by I.M. Pei.

Alexander Calder's sculpture "Stegosaurus" (the original full size/two story tall version) is located in Hartford between the Wadsworth Atheneum and City Hall. Recently a smaller version of the sculpture known as "Little Stego" sold at auction for $3.4 million dollars.

FAMOUS PERSONS WHO LIVED IN HARTFORD

MARK TWAIN (SAMUEL CLEMENS)
HARRIET BEECHER STOWE
WILLIAM DEAN HOWELLS
KATHERINE HEPBURN
FREDERICK LAW OLMSTED
WALLACE STEVENS (PULITZER PRIZE WINNING POET)
J.P. MORGAN
WILLIAM GILLETTE (PLAYED SHERLOCK HOLMES)
HORACE WELLS (INVENTED ANESTHESIA AND MODEL FOR DR. JECKYL AND MR. HYDE NOVEL)
SAMUEL MORSE (INVENTED MORSE CODE/MACHINE)
SOPHIE TUCKER
NOAH WEBSTER (WEBSTER DICTIONARY)
JOHN TRUMBULL (ARTIST)
CHARLES ETHAN PORTER (AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTIST)
SAMUEL COLT (COLT FIREARMS)

YOU MUST BE HUNGRY BY NOW

    Hartford has hundreds of great restaurants for all tastes and budgets. Especially of note are the many ethnic eateries which include: Afghan, African-American, Asian (Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai), Brazilian, Caribbean, Ethiopian, Greek, Indian, Irish, Italian, Jamaican, Latin American, Middle Eastern, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, West Indian, and more. Steak, seafood and continental as well as French and nouvelle cuisine can also be readily found. Lots of places to eat for vegetarians, too!