Hartford

the capital city of Connecticut. It is situated on the Connecticut River, at the head of navigation. The first white settlement on its site was made by the Dutch in 1633. John Mason's celebrated expedition against the Pequots started at Hartford. It was here that Andros endeavored to seize the charter of Connecticut. In 1701 Hartford became the joint capital with New Haven. In 1873 it became the sole capital of the state. Early in its history the city had an extensive trade with the West Indies. Out of insurance against disaster at sea has grown up a large marine and fire insurance business. There are six life insurance companies, making Hartford one of the insurance centers of the world. There are extensive manufactures. The Gatling gun and the Colt revolver are made here. Hartford is headquarters for the manufacture of bicycles and typewriters. It is a leading city in the production of steam engines, boilers, leather belting, knit goods, carriages, harness, and electric machinery. The city is well built. Its streets and parks are shaded with beautiful elms. Trinity College is a prosperous institution. The various libraries of the city contain 327,000 bound volumes and as many pamphlets. The population as reported by the last census was 79,850. For its size, Hartford is one of the richest cities in the Union. The assessed valuation exceeds $1,000 per inhabitant. See Charter Oak; Insurance; Connecticut