90-599: West Hartford is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut , United States, 5 miles (8.0 km) west of downtown Hartford . The town is part of the Capitol Planning Region . The population was 64,083 at the 2020 census . The town's popular downtown area is colloquially known as "West Hartford Center," or simply "The Center," and is centered on Farmington Avenue and South/North Main Street. West Hartford Center has been
180-436: A basket under his arm, a pack on his back full of tinware). As others learned the trade, they soon set up shop and hired apprentices. There were so many that the noise of the whitesmiths and their hammering could be heard in every part of town. The town took parts away from Wethersfield (Now Rocky Hill and Newington), Middletown (Now Cromwell), Wallingford (Now Meriden) and Farmington (Now Southington and New Britain). Berlin
270-646: A committee of residents was appointed to ask permission from Hartford to secede, and were denied. Five years later they petitioned again and again were denied. In the spring of 1854, the Connecticut General Assembly was meeting in New Haven (co-capitol with Hartford at the time). Most likely taking advantage of the distance from Hartford, a petition dated March 21 was delivered to the General Assembly by delegates from West Hartford. Signed by 153 residents,
360-407: A family was $ 78,599. Males had a median income of $ 56,181 versus $ 44,273 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 33,151. About 8.0% of families and 10.7% of the population were below the poverty line , including 15.3% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over. Data is from the 2010 United States Census and the 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Data
450-470: A female householder with no husband present, and 36.1% were non-families. 29.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.06. In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 28.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
540-546: A group of families from Farmington to begin the first settlement on Christian Lane. By 1705, the first ecclesiastical society was recognized and the area renamed the Great Swamp Society. The first meetinghouse and cemetery were established a few years later, and the first school house built in 1717. 1722 brought reorganization to the Society. Parts of the towns of Farmington, Wethersfield and Middletown were added to increase
630-532: A house and a sawmill are listed. For nearly a century the property would be handed down throughout the family. Evidence still remains of the Town's first industry, as Stephen Hosmer's mill pond and dam can still be found today on the westernmost side of North Main Street. By the time of the American Revolution, the once rugged wilderness had been largely clear and a new agricultural-based community had developed with
720-400: A minor issue happened with the buzzer beater. As the entire Hall team stormed the court to celebrate, students began throwing punches at each other and eventually the entire team and coaches were stuck in the middle of a brawl. The fight was recorded entirely for the town to see online and identify which students were at fault, which led to 10 students being arrested. The Hall-Conard fan section
810-695: A name, a title that it still holds today—"The Center." Evidence in the Hartford Courant and in the 1790s census show that some of the more prosperous households relied on laborers and slaves for fieldwork and domestic help. The Sarah Whitman Hooker House was one such residence and still stands on New Britain Avenue. Evidence shows that the Hookers owned several slaves. One such slave, Bristow, bought his freedom from Thomas Hart Hooker in April 1775 as Hooker set off to fight in
900-545: A one-mile-long (1.6 km) ridge boasting impressive views of the burgeoning city, became the area's most prestigious address. Homes are characteristic of the architectural styles popular in that period are represented, particularly Late 19th and 20th Century Revivals . Many homes in the area on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Connecticut Governor's Residence , built in 1908. Prospect Avenue
990-527: A physical barrier from the rest of West Hartford. Furthermore, The interstate allowed for increased accessibility as the population increased with the Baby Boom and development, and recalibrated the traditional retail sites. Subsequent residential development continued on through the late 1970s, particularly in the town's northern, western and far southwestern fringes, as evidenced by the many large colonial, ranch, and split level-style homes in these areas. In 1971,
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#17328513821901080-401: A population of just over 1,000 residents and 3,000 sheep. At its core was the parish meeting house. The First Congregational Meeting House was built around 1712 . Now in its 5th building, the church stands proudly at what is now the southeast corner of Main Street and Farmington Avenue. As the focus of early religious, political, and social life, the meeting house helped to provide this area with
1170-592: A pottery dynasty. Goodwin started his pottery works around 1798. For over a hundred years, the Goodwin name would be associated with West Hartford pottery. Producing utilitarian items such as jugs for the gin manufactured in local distilleries, to terra cotta designs and fine china, the Goodwin Company employed up to 75 people in its heyday. The Goodwin Brothers Pottery Company (as it came to be known) burned for
1260-402: A precedent for other municipalities. The zoning legislation economically segregated residential areas by keeping expensive single-family homes away from multi-family housing, and preventing multi-family housing in single-family neighborhoods. West Hartford justified the zoning as intended to raise property values and keep undesirable groups out of the locality. The impetus for the zoning change was
1350-631: A refuge from the cold winter wind and the river's severe spring flooding. In 1636 Reverend Thomas Hooker led a group of followers from what is now Cambridge, Massachusetts to the "Great River" and established Hartford, Connecticut and the Connecticut Colony . As the colony grew, additional land was needed. In 1672 the Proprietors of Hartford ordered that a Division be created to the West. A total of "72 Long Lots" were laid out between today's Quaker Lane in
1440-963: A robbery was committed by a militant Puerto Rican group called "Los Macheteros" where they robbed a Wells Fargo depot situated in West Hartford, netting $ 7 million. At the time, it was the largest heist in US history. Opening in 2007, Blue Back Square is a pioneer mixed-use development in the Center that blends retail and residential living space on a large scale. The five-building complex contains 220,000 square feet (20,000 m) of ground floor retail space and 120 luxury space. Medical office space encompasses 137,000 square feet (12,700 m), and other professional offices total another 62,500 square feet (5,810 m) square feet. A six-screen movie theatre as well as two 500-space parking garages were also built. Named after Noah Webster 's popular spelling book, Blue-Back Speller,
1530-422: A sense of how important these byways were in the development of commerce and industry. Then came the trolleys—starting in 1845, Fred Brace began running a horse-drawn omnibus from his home on the corner of Farmington Avenue and Dale Street into downtown Hartford. Even more significant were the horse-drawn trolley lines and later electric trolleys that in 1889 began to weave their way from the inner city of Hartford to
1620-622: A separated right-of-way between Hartford and New Britain . West Hartford is served by two stations: The West Hartford fire department operates out of five fire stations, that provide fire protection and emergency medical services at the Advanced life support level. The town is home to two public high schools, Conard (home of the Conard Red Wolves) and Hall (home of the Hall Titans), as well as 11 elementary schools and three middle schools in
1710-654: A village library had been started, and the town boasted of five school districts. In the mid 1800s, the Worthington Academy was built, which ultimately housed 125 students from neighboring states. The Berlin Railroad Depot opened as a way station on the New York, New Haven and Hartford line. Today, this train station is one of the last places in the U.S. that sells tickets to anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. The mid 1800s brought competition from mass-produced products, forcing
1800-532: A well-crafted and prestigious neighborhood. The architecture is characteristic of the Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival styles popular in the period. It was declared a National Historic District in 1996. By the 1920s and 1930s the impact of the automobile was felt in West Hartford as the town became more accessible to Hartford's middle and working class citizens. Between 1910 and 1930 the population of West Hartford grew from 4,808 to 24,941 residents. Then with
1890-621: Is Berlin station by the CT Rail 's Hartford Line trains and by Amtrak 's Hartford Line , Northeast Regional , and Valley Flyer . There are three elementary schools, Mary E. Griswold School , Emma Hart Willard School , and Richard D. Hubbard School , as well as Catherine M. McGee Middle School , and Berlin High School . Besides these, there is one private education school in Berlin; Saint Paul School (Founded 1958). The town's public library
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#17328513821901980-454: Is a county located in the north central part of the U.S. state of Connecticut . According to the 2020 census , the population was 899,498, making it the second-most populous county in Connecticut. Hartford County contains the city of Hartford , the state capital of Connecticut and the county's most populous city, with 121,054 residents at the 2020 census. Hartford County is included in
2070-520: Is a planned stop along the Hartford Line, a commuter rail service from New Haven to Springfield that uses the current Amtrak-owned New Haven–Springfield Line , with a possible shuttle bus connection in Windsor Locks to Bradley International Airport . Service launched on June 16, 2018. The State of Connecticut has secured funding for the construction of a new train station at Flatbush Avenue at
2160-476: Is a town in the Capitol Planning Region , Connecticut , United States. The population was 20,175 at the 2020 census . It was incorporated in 1785. The geographic center of Connecticut is located in the town. Berlin is residential and industrial, and is served by the Amtrak station of the same name . Berlin also has two hamlets: Kensington and East Berlin . The greatest boom to Berlin industry resulted from
2250-522: Is adjacent to Elizabeth Park , designed by acclaimed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in 1896 and named for the wife of Charles M. Pond, who bequeathed the land to the City of Hartford . In 1900, the Hartford Golf Club opened its links on the other side of Asylum Avenue just west of Prospect Avenue, adding to the area's ideal suburban sensibility. In 1895, Wood, Harmon and Company created one of
2340-557: Is believed that the first homesteader to West Hartford was Stephen Hosmer whose father was in Hooker's first group of Hartford settlers and who later owned 300 acres (1,200,000 m) just north of the present day Center. In 1679, Stephen Hosmer's father sent him to establish a sawmill on the property. Young Hosmer would eventually go back to live in Hartford, but in his 1693 estate inventory, 310 acres (1,300,000 m) in West Hartford along with
2430-778: Is from the 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates, "Race alone or in combination with one or more other races." Prior to 1960, Hartford County was a Republican-leaning swing county in presidential elections. Since then, it has become solidly Democratic similar to most of New England, with the only Republicans to carry the county since then being Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan in their 49-state landslide victories of 1972 and 1984, respectively. School districts include: K-12: Secondary districts: Elementary districts: 41°49′N 72°44′W / 41.81°N 72.73°W / 41.81; -72.73 Berlin, Connecticut Berlin ( / ˈ b ɜːr l ɪ n / BUR -lin )
2520-651: Is located in Berlin. The west side of Berlin is flanked by the Metacomet Ridge , a mountainous trap rock ridgeline that stretches from Long Island Sound to nearly the Vermont border. Notable mountains of the Metacomet ridge in Berlin include the Hanging Hills , Lamentation Mountain , Short Mountain , and Ragged Mountain . The 51-mile (82 km) Metacomet Trail and the 50-mile (80 km) Mattabesett Trail traverse
2610-489: Is no county-level executive or legislative government; the counties determine probate, civil and criminal court boundaries, but little else. Each city or town is responsible for local services such as schools, snow removal, sewers, fire department and police departments. In Connecticut, cities and towns may agree to jointly provide services or establish a regional school system. As of the census of 2000, there were 857,183 people, 335,098 households, and 222,505 families living in
2700-571: Is the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library located at the Arthur B. Powers complex, the library contains an adjoining community center with publicly available meeting rooms, a gym area and a game room. Adult education classes are held here as well as meetings for civic and student groups. Although taken from the name of the Prussian capital, Berlin , which receives the stress in its pronunciation on
2790-466: Is water. It is the second-largest county in Connecticut by land area. The county is divided into two unequal parts by the Connecticut River , and watered by Farmington , Mill , Podunk , Scantic , and other rivers. The surface is very diverse: part of the river valleys are alluvial and subject to flooding, while other portions of the county are hilly and even mountainous. In Connecticut, there
West Hartford, Connecticut - Misplaced Pages Continue
2880-523: The 2010 Census , there were 63,268 people, 25,258 households, and 16,139 families residing in the town. The population density was 2,888.9 inhabitants per square mile (1,115.4/km). There were 25,332 housing units at an average density of 1,152.3/square mile (445.0/km). The racial makeup of the town was 79.6% White , 6.3% African American , 0.2% Native American , 7.4% Asian , 0.03% Pacific Islander , 3.8% from other races , and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.8% of
2970-492: The Bishops Corner development was inaugurated. Housing tenants such as Lord & Taylor, F.W. Woolworth, and Doubleday Book Shop drew shoppers from across the region; the Center with its largely independently owned stores, were negatively impacted by the new retail traffic patterns. Towards the town's southwest fringe lies Westfarms Mall . Opened in 1974 with original anchors JC Penney , G. Fox & Co. , and Sage-Allen ,
3060-544: The Metacomet Ridge , a mountainous trap rock ridgeline that stretches from Long Island Sound to nearly the Vermont border. Notable features of the Metacomet Ridge in West Hartford include Talcott Mountain and a number of highland water reservoirs belonging to the Metropolitan District, which maintains watershed and recreation resources on the property. The 51-mile-long (82 km) Metacomet Trail traverses
3150-732: The single transferable vote , using it for two elections, before the General Assembly overturned it in 1923. Town Council members are elected at large for two years and represent all of West Hartford, and the town clerk is elected for four years. Appointed by the Town Council in 2022, Rick Ledwith is the Town Manager. Connecticut municipalities—as with neighboring Massachusetts and Rhode Island —provide nearly all local services (i.e. fire and rescue, education, snow removal, etc.), as county government has been abolished since 1960. West Hartford
3240-642: The British government. A blacksmith was crucial for daily living needs such as nails, tools, hinges, latches, hooks, cranes, cooking utensils, and parts for wagons, wheels and sleds. Small ironworks sprang up near local waterpower. In addition to tinware, ammunition was made from the local lead mines during the Revolutionary War. East Berlin Milling Co. produced cotton and woolen yarn which was spun into clothing and blankets. Simeon North, manufacturer of pistols, became
3330-711: The Cold War. The 76th Division was reconstituted in October 1946 and reactivated in November of that year as a part of the Organized Reserve, and was headquartered in West Hartford, Connecticut. Units of the division were spread throughout the six New England states. The 405th Army Hospital Unit took over the South Quaker lane facility in 1996. In alphabetical order by last names: Hartford County, Connecticut Hartford County
3420-567: The East and Mountain Road in the West. The northern boundary was Bloomfield, and the Southern, present day New Britain Avenue. (The western boundary was extended in 1830 to include part of Farmington ). In the 1670s, the area was referred to as the "West Division" of Hartford. This remained the official name until 1806 when Connecticut General Assembly started referring to it as "the Society of West Hartford." It
3510-574: The Elizabeth Park Concert Series, and the annual Celebrate West Hartford event, which includes fairground rides, food vendors, musical performances, and stalls by local businesses. According to archaeological evidence, the Wampanoag people used West Hartford as one of their winter camps. Fishing and hunting along the Connecticut River , the area of West Hartford offered the Wampanoag people
3600-441: The General Assembly voted on May 3 for West Hartford's independence. The 1854 vote was not however the end of the debate. In 1895 wealthy residents from the "East Side" of West Hartford petitioned Hartford for annexation. Their call was rebuffed by other West Hartford residents. Then in 1923 and 1924 Hartford wanted to annex West Hartford back so that it could achieve a "Greater Hartford Plan." Town residents rallied in opposition and
3690-597: The Hartford- East Hartford - Middletown metropolitan statistical area . On June 6, 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau formally recognized Connecticut's nine councils of governments as county equivalents instead of the state's eight counties. Connecticut's county governments were disbanded in 1960, and the councils of governments took over some of the local governmental functions. Connecticut's eight historical counties continue to exist in name only, and are no longer considered for statistical purposes. Hartford County
West Hartford, Connecticut - Misplaced Pages Continue
3780-540: The Kensington Congregational Church. The Worthington Meetinghouse was in continuous use as a church, town hall, school and town offices until 1974. Berlin was proud to have one of the 75 official post offices designated by Benjamin Franklin, first Postmaster General. A historic marker showing that the next post office was in Hartford, 11 miles away, is still located on Worthington Ridge. By the late 1700s,
3870-427: The Revolutionary War. Bristow continued to live with the family after Thomas Hart Hooker was killed in the war. Bristow became an agricultural expert and left his property to the Hookers' two children when he died. He is the only known African American to be buried in West Hartford's Old Center Burial Yard. West Hartford's Bristow Middle School is named in his honor. One of the first major industries to arise centered on
3960-722: The West Hartford Public Schools system. The elementary schools are Aiken, Braeburn, Bugbee, Charter Oak, Duffy, Morley , Norfeldt, Smith, Webster Hill, Whiting Lane and Wolcott. The middle schools are King Philip , Sedgwick , and the newest, Bristow Middle School , on the former site of Kingswood-Oxford Middle School. The elementary schools are evenly distributed to either King Philip or Sedgwick, and those who enroll at Bristow are chosen by lottery. After middle school, students continue on to high school with their same student body. Sedgwick's graduates go to Conard High School, and King Philip's go to Hall. Bristow students return to
4050-433: The access made West Hartford attractive to middle-class families. During the decade, the town built one new elementary school each year to accommodate the growing population. In the 1960s, construction began on Interstate 84 , completed in 1969. The interstate had many ramifications on the community, the most visible was that it bisected the town, isolating the more industrial and ethnically diverse neighborhood of Elmwood with
4140-407: The age of 18 living with them, 46.0% were married couples living together, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 35.1% were non-families, and 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.06. The median age was 39.9 years. The median income for a household in the county was $ 62,590 and the median income for
4230-427: The age of 18 living with them, 49.20% were married couples living together, 13.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.60% were non-families. 27.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.05. In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.60% under
4320-466: The age of 18, 7.80% from 18 to 24, 29.80% from 25 to 44, 23.20% from 45 to 64, and 14.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.00 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 50,756, and the median income for a family was $ 62,144. Males had a median income of $ 43,985 versus $ 33,042 for females. The per capita income for
4410-405: The average family size was 3.11. In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.7% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.7 males. The median income for a household in the town
4500-404: The beginning of 1957, when their first football game against each other was held. The competition and school spirit is just as alive today, if not, more extreme than it was over 60 years ago. On February 23, 2015, the rivalry went too far when a fight occurred between both teams at the varsity basketball game held at Hall High School. The score of the game was 43–42 and teammates began fighting after
4590-599: The community's main commercial hub since the late 17th century. Incorporated as a town in 1854, West Hartford was previously a parish of Hartford, founded in 1672. Among the southernmost of the communities in the Hartford-Springfield Knowledge Corridor metropolitan region, West Hartford is home to University of Hartford and the University of Saint Joseph . West Hartford is home to regular events which draw large crowds from neighboring towns, including
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#17328513821904680-790: The corner of New Park Avenue. In 2019 Governor Lamont's CT2030 transportation investment plan, which included tolling cars and trucks in 14 locations, was soundly rejected by Republicans and Democrats, leaving less funding for rail projects. Currently there is not enough funding to build a rail station in West Hartford. West Hartford is served by several bus routes of Connecticut Transit. Major roads served are Albany Avenue (Route 58), New Britain Avenue (Routes 37, 39, and 128), Park Street (Routes 31 and 33), South/North Main Street (Route 153) Farmington Avenue (Routes 60, 62, 64, and 66), Asylum Avenue (Route 72), Hillside Avenue (Route 63), and Boulevard/South Quaker Lane (Route 69). CTfastrak, Connecticut's first bus rapid transit corridor, opened in 2015, providing
4770-405: The countryside of West Hartford. Trolley lines opened up a land that had been inaccessible to many, and made it possible for professionals and their families to settle along Prospect Avenue, then north of Farmington Avenue. By the 1880s, Hartford began to experience an economic boom. As such Hartford's business leaders began building their mansions along Prospect Avenue . Prospect Hill, situated on
4860-516: The county was $ 26,047. About 7.10% of families and 9.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.90% of those under age 18 and 7.60% of those age 65 or over. As of the 2010 United States Census , there were 894,014 people, 350,854 households, and 227,831 families living in the county. The population density was 1,216.2 inhabitants per square mile (469.6/km ). There were 374,249 housing units at an average density of 509.1 per square mile (196.6/km ). The racial makeup of
4950-401: The county was 72.4% white, 13.3% black, 4.2% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 7.1% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic origin made up 15.3% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 15.9% were Italian , 15.6% were Irish , 10.7% were Polish , 9.4% were English , 8.8% were German , and 2.5% were American . Of the 350,854 households, 31.9% had children under
5040-734: The county. The population density was 1,166 inhabitants per square mile (450/km ). There were 353,022 housing units at an average density of 480 per square mile (190/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 76.90% White , 11.66% Black or African American , 0.23% Native American , 2.42% Asian , 0.04% Pacific Islander , 6.43% from other races , and 2.31% from two or more races. 11.55% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 15.2% were of Italian, 11.2% Irish, 9.1% Polish , 6.5% English, 5.7% French and 5.3% German ancestry. 78.4% spoke English, 10.3% Spanish, 2.6% Polish , 1.9% French and 1.6% Italian as their first language. There were 335,098 households, out of which 31.30% had children under
5130-496: The decision of the Patterson brothers to start their business on West Street (now called Lower Lane). For twenty years until 1760, they kept their work in the family selling their wares from a basket. When demand increased they took apprentices into the shop and engaged peddlers to travel throughout the colonies selling the shiny, useful articles (the seal of the Town of Berlin shows such a "Yankee peddler" in eighteenth-century dress with
5220-472: The development has significantly altered the Center and furthered West Hartford's status as a regional dining and shopping destination. According to the United States Census Bureau , the town has a total area of 22.3 square miles (57.7 km), of which 21.9 square miles (56.6 km) is land and 0.42 square miles (1.1 km), or 1.91%, is water. The west side of West Hartford is flanked by
5310-468: The end of the Great Depression, World War II, and the exodus from urban centers, West Hartford witnessed a tremendous influx of people as its population swelled from 33,776 in 1940 to 62,382 people by 1960. This era ushered in major housing developments and retail spaces throughout the community. In the 1950s, the primary avenues—Albany, Asylum and Farmington—became important arteries for commuters, and
5400-424: The establishment of several more towns resulted in minor adjustments in the bounds of the county. The final adjustment resulting in the modern limits occurred on May 8, 1806, when the town of Canton was established. According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2010, the county had a total area of 751 square miles (1,950 km ), of which 735 square miles (1,900 km ) is land and 16 square miles (41 km ) (2.1%)
5490-736: The failure of West Hartford leaders to prevent a Jewish grocery from setting up a grocery store in a West Hartford residential area a few years prior. Alongside zoning, neighborhoods in West Hartford used racial covenants that prevented non-whites from owning or occupying buildings (until they were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1948). In the 1960s and 1970s, real estate agents engaged in racial steering to keep black people out of West Hartford. These policies have contributed to making West Hartford overwhelmingly white. In recent years, attempts at building multi-family housing in West Hartford have been met with protests from residents. In 1983,
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#17328513821905580-733: The first official pistol maker for the United States Government when he developed a system of interchangeable parts for pistols. In the 1800s, business of all sorts thrived in Berlin. Makers of wagons, tableware, hats, clocks, books, combs, woolen clothes and blankets, cabinet and coffin makers, sleighs, muffs, and suits, were all local industries. Berlin was on the direct route from New Haven to Hartford, with taverns and inns, which were regular stagecoach stops for fresh horses, meals and sleeping accommodations. Two meetinghouses had been built, one in Kensington Parish, still in use today as
5670-496: The first tinware business in the colonies. Wares in baskets were pedaled from house to house, then, as surplus accumulated, by mule and wagon, traveling all over America and to Canada. This was the birth of "The Yankee Peddler". During the years from 1700 to 1750, farms, mills, and blacksmiths sprang up through the Great Swamp. Most residents of this area were skilled in one or more of these trades, which were recognized and allowed by
5760-400: The jurisdiction of New Haven County in 1722, was transferred to Hartford County by 1738. All of northwestern Connecticut was later constituted as the new Litchfield County in 1751. In 1785, two more counties were established in what was now the U.S. state of Connecticut: Tolland and Middlesex. This mostly resulted in the modern extent of Hartford County. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries,
5850-411: The land area, and the name changed to Kensington. In 1772, the Society was divided into an eastern half, called Worthington, and the western section, which retained the name of Kensington. 1785 brought incorporation of the town, which was then called Berlin. New Britain remained a part of Berlin until 1850. Around 1740, Edward and William Pattison, two brothers from Ireland, emigrated to Berlin and set up
5940-451: The late 19th century, the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad ran through part of Elmwood in the southeast corner of town. A variety of companies cropped up in this area including Whitlock Coil Pipe Company in 1891, and later Royal Typewriter , Wiremold, Abbot Ball, Colt's Manufacturing and Uncle Bill's Silver Grippers (producer of tweezers). The largest of West Hartford manufacturers
6030-450: The mall further recalibrated retail in West Hartford. It became well known for its lavish ceilings and waterfall-style fountain. Sitting astride I-84, conveniently connected to the town's main internal arteries, and comprising more than 1,300,000 square feet (120,000 m) of stores and restaurants, it is the third largest indoor mall in Connecticut. In 1924, West Hartford became the first municipality in Connecticut to enact zoning, setting
6120-490: The most exclusive of these early developments was West Hill . Located on the former estate of Cornelius Vanderbilt , son of the famous financier and transportation magnet, it was the brainchild of Horace R. Grant. Designed by some of Hartford's best architects in the 1920s, West Hill is significant historically because it is an excellent example of a planned real estate development of the early 1920s that proceeded under specific design restrictions to achieve outstanding success as
6210-425: The peddlers out of business. It also brought the establishment of the brick making industry locally, which eventually produced 90,000 bricks daily until the 1960s. According to the United States Census Bureau , the town has a total area of 27.0 square miles (69.9 km ), of which 26.3 square miles (68.2 km ) is land and 0.66 square miles (1.7 km ), or 2.45%, is water. The geographic center of Connecticut
6300-447: The petition claimed that residences were "subjected to many inconveniences on account of their present connection with the town and city of Hartford and that their convenience and prosperity would be essentially promoted by being set off as a separate town." On April 26, about 100 residents from West Hartford presented their own case against secession. After review and an opportunity for Hartford to make an argument for keeping West Hartford,
6390-409: The plan was defeated by a vote of 2,100 to 6137. It is transportation that has had the biggest impact on West Hartford and its evolution from sleepy crossroads to modern suburb. In the late 18th and early 19th century three turnpikes ran through West Hartford. Around these roads, taverns, blacksmith and wheelwright shops, general stores and many other places of businesses sprang up. Early maps provide
6480-484: The population. Only 49.85% of West Hartford residents reported a religious affiliation. Of these, 31.74% were Roman Catholic, 3.29% Presbyterian, 2.19% Baptist, 2.19% Methodist, 1.59% Jewish, 1.39% Lutheran, 1.31% Episcopalian, 1.19% Pentecostal, 0.4% Mormon, 3.38% of another Christian denomination, and 0.34% were Muslim. There were 25,258 households, out of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 10.3% had
6570-407: The population. There were 6,792 households, out of which 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.5% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.1% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and
6660-510: The pottery and brick works. Extending from Hartford to Berlin is a sizable deposit of fine clay. In 1770, Ebenezer Faxon came from Massachusetts and settled in what would become the Elmwood section of West Hartford. There he established a pottery on South Road (what is today New Britain Avenue) which took advantage of the local geological landscape. It was Seth Goodwin, however, who helped to establish
6750-534: The ridge. The town's web site indicates that the highest point in town is 778 feet (237 m) above sea level on Talcott (Avon) Mountain. The altitude at Town Hall is 120 feet (37 m). West Hartford is adjacent to and west of Hartford , the state capital, and borders Bloomfield , Newington , New Britain , Farmington , and Avon . West Hartford is approximately 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Boston and 120 miles (190 km) northeast of New York City . Interstate 84 runs through West Hartford. As of
6840-547: The ridge. Silver Lake straddles the town, with the Urrunaga Bridge spanning the lake. As of the 2010 census Berlin had a population of 19,866. The racial makeup of the population was 94.9% white, 0.7% black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 2.7% Asian, 0.6% from some other race and 1.0% from two or more races. 3.2% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race. As of the census of 2000, there were 18,215 people, 6,792 households, and 5,155 families residing in
6930-465: The school district they were in during elementary school. The two high schools hold many events and recognize the tension between the two high schools. As of 2020, both of West Hartford's public high schools, Hall and Conard were ranked in the top 15 in the state and top 5% nationally according to U.S. News . The schools have been neck and neck in competing in educational aspects, but especially in sports. Hall versus Conard sports rivalry has gone on since
7020-538: The third time in 1908 and never recovered. In 1879 Edwin Arnold established the Trout Brook Ice & Feed Company. Ice from Trout Brook, a stream that runs through the middle of West Hartford, was harvested in the winter, sawn into blocks, and placed into a series of ice houses through an escalator system. Insulated in sawdust, the blocks of ice were used as refrigeration locally and shipped as far away as New York City. By
7110-607: The top employers in the city are: Berlin is bisected by a north-south arterial road, U.S. 5 and an expressway, Connecticut State Route 9 . Connecticut State Route 372 is a local east-west road serving the town. Berlin is located on the New Haven–Springfield Line with daily passenger service to points north and south and to New York City via a connection in New Haven. In the Kensington neighborhood on Berlin's west side
7200-593: The town of Simsbury was established, extending Hartford County to the Massachusetts border. In the late 17th to early 18th centuries, several more towns were established and added to Hartford County: Waterbury in 1686 (transferred to New Haven County in 1728), Windham in 1694 (transferred to Windham County in 1726), Hebron in 1708 (transferred to Tolland County in 1785), Coventry in 1712 (transferred to Windham County in 1726), and Litchfield in 1722 (transferred to Litchfield County in 1751). In 1714, all of
7290-413: The town's 2023 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report West Hartford has had council–manager government since 1919. It was the first town in the state and one of the first in the country to adopt this form of government, where the council acts as the elected policy board and the town manager serves as the chief executive officer responsible for carrying policies out. In 1921, voters switched to elections by
7380-461: The town's first subdivisions on property known as Stanley Farm, a tract sloping upward from the trolley line that then ran along Farmington Avenue, across from Reservoir No. 1. Called Buena Vista, it was promoted it "Hartford's New and Handsome Suburb." Their literature highlighted "splendid suburban electric car service" and proximity to Reservoir No. 1. Other developments followed including "Elmhurst" in Elmwood (1901), and Sunset Farm (1917). One of
7470-428: The town. The population density was 688.6 inhabitants per square mile (265.9/km ). There were 6,955 housing units at an average density of 262.9 per square mile (101.5/km ). The racial makeup of the town was 97.03% White , 0.36% African American , 0.05% Native American , 1.65% Asian , 0.01% Pacific Islander , 0.18% from other races , and 0.73% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.47% of
7560-480: The unincorporated territory north of the towns of Coventry and Windham in northeastern Connecticut to the Massachusetts border were placed under the jurisdiction of Hartford County. Windham County was constituted in 1726, resulting in Hartford County losing the towns of Windham, Coventry, Mansfield (incorporated in 1702), and Ashford (incorporated in 1714). Northwestern Connecticut , which was originally placed under
7650-396: Was $ 68,068, and the median income for a family was $ 76,756. Males had a median income of $ 49,714 versus $ 34,832 for females. The per capita income for the town was $ 27,744. About 1.4% of families and 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line , including 0.9% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over. According to Berlin's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,
7740-427: Was 41.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.2 males. In 2018, the median household income was $ 99,280 and the per capita income for the town was $ 54,601. About 3.7% of families and 6.1% of the population were below the poverty line , including 5.3% of those under the age of 18 and 9.6% ages 65 or older. Top employers in West Hartford according to
7830-499: Was Pratt & Whitney (now Pratt & Whitney Measurement Systems , which later lent its name to Pratt & Whitney , the aerospace corporation headquartered in East Hartford ). In 1940 it built a plant on 20 acres (81,000 m) and at the height of World War II it employed over 7,000 people. It would stand until 1991, when Pratt & Whitney Measurement Systems was acquired and operations were relocated to Plainville . In 1792
7920-488: Was one of four original counties in Connecticut established on May 10, 1666, by an act of the Connecticut General Court. The act establishing the county states: As established in 1666, Hartford County consisted of the towns of Windsor , Wethersfield , Hartford, Farmington , and Middletown . The "Thirty Miles Island" referred to in the constituting Act was incorporated as the town of Haddam in 1668. In 1670,
8010-619: Was one of the birthplaces of interchangeable parts manufacturing and of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, in the workshop of Simeon North . The town was formerly known as Kensington. In 1659, Sergeant Richard Beckley purchased 300 acres from Chief Tarramuggus, built a home for his family and became the first settler in what was to become Berlin. Other families slowly followed, and in 1686, Captain Richard Seymour led
8100-614: Was packed per usual and bleachers were filled to capacity as seen in multiple video recordings. Institutions of higher learning in the town include: The University of Connecticut Greater Hartford Campus was formerly located in West Hartford adjacent to the University of Saint Joseph campus, however it was moved to downtown Hartford in 2017. The 76th Infantry Division was a unit of the United States Army in World War I, World War II and
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