Hartford

Hartford, the capital of Connecticut, sits on the north bank of the Connecticut River in central Connecticut. Founded in 1636 by Puritan settlers led by Thomas Hooker, it grew as a trading post and political center and remains the seat of state government, housing the capitol complex and legislative offices.

Historically an insurance hub, Hartford earned the nickname “Insurance Capital of the World” because of the concentration of insurers and related services in the city and region. The Hartford Financial Services Group and other insurers have deep roots here, alongside state government and healthcare providers that support the economy.

Hartford is home to cultural institutions such as the Wadsworth Atheneum, the Mark Twain House and Museum, and the Connecticut Science Center. Bushnell Park, the Hartford Stage, and higher education institutions like Trinity College and the University of Hartford add to the city’s cultural and educational landscape.

The city is served by Interstates 84 and 91 and by Amtrak and regional rail lines. It lies along the Connecticut River, with neighborhoods including Downtown and Asylum Hill shaping its urban character. Hartford continues to balance its historic architecture with modern redevelopment as a regional center for government, finance, healthcare, and culture.

Hartford has a diverse population with significant African American, Latino, and immigrant communities, contributing to a varied cultural scene and ongoing urban development.