Hartford County is located in the north-central part of Connecticut and is bordered by Litchfield County to the west, New Haven County to the south, Tolland County to the east, and Massachusetts to the north. See Countryaah – Counties in Connecticut. The county seat is Hartford, which is also the state capital.
Hartford County covers an area of 769 square miles and has a population of 895,233 as of 2019. The county was established in 1785 and was named after Hartford, England. It includes several large cities such as Hartford (the state capital), West Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Windsor Locks and Enfield.
The county has several major rivers including the Connecticut River which forms part of its western border; the Farmington River which runs through its center; and the Hockanum River which forms part of its eastern border. There are also several smaller rivers such as Salmon Brook and Mill Brook that flow through Hartford County.
The bordering counties to Hartford County include Tolland County to the east; New London County to the southeast; Windham County to the southwest; Middlesex County to the south; Litchfield County to the west; Hampden County in Massachusetts to the northwest; Worcester County in Massachusetts to the north; Hampshire Counties in Massachusetts and Vermont both northeast.
Demographics of Hartford County, Connecticut
According to the 2019 United States Census, Hartford County has a population of 895,233 people. The county is made up of a diverse population with 38.5% identifying as White, 33.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Black or African American, 8.2% Asian and 1.8% Native American or Alaska Native.
The largest cities in Hartford County are Hartford (the state capital), West Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain and Windsor Locks. The median age of the population is 39 years old and the median household income is $63,059 per year.
Hartford County also has a large immigrant population with 19% of residents being foreign-born and 14 languages being spoken in the home other than English including Spanish (12%), French Creole (3%) and Portuguese (2%).
In terms of educational attainment, 35% of people aged 25 years and over have a Bachelor’s degree or higher while 12% have less than a high school diploma. In addition, 10% of people aged 25 years and over are unemployed while 6% are living below the poverty line.
Places of Interest in Hartford County, Connecticut
Hartford County, Connecticut is home to a variety of attractions and activities that are sure to please everyone. From outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing to cultural sites such as museums and galleries, there is something for everyone.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Hartford County offers an array of activities from hiking trails to scenic parks. Talcott Mountain State Park offers miles of trails for hiking or biking and the Farmington River provides ample opportunity for fishing or kayaking. The county also has several campgrounds for those looking to spend the night in nature.
For those looking for a more cultural experience, Hartford County has many museums and galleries that offer visitors a glimpse into the area’s history and culture. The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is the oldest public art museum in the United States and houses works from European masters as well as contemporary American art. The Connecticut Historical Society Museum offers visitors a look into the state’s past with exhibits on topics such as slavery, World War II, and immigration.
Other attractions in Hartford County include retail shopping centers such as Westfarms Mall; entertainment venues like Rentschler Field; recreational facilities like Foxwoods Casino; and historical sites like Mark Twain’s house. With so much to do in Hartford County, it is easy to see why it is one of Connecticut’s most popular destinations.
Notable People of Hartford County, Connecticut
Hartford County, Connecticut has been home to a number of notable people throughout history. From authors and activists to politicians and athletes, the county has produced some of the nation’s most influential figures.
One of Hartford County’s most famous residents is Mark Twain, the iconic American author. Twain lived in Hartford from 1874-1891 and wrote some of his most famous works during this time, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
The county was also home to Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Stowe lived in Hartford from 1873-1896 and wrote her influential novel about slavery in America during this time.
Other prominent figures from Hartford County include actor Katharine Hepburn; comedian Jonathan Winters; abolitionist Sojourner Truth; former President George Bush; former U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd; former UConn basketball coach Jim Calhoun; and Olympian swimmer Ryan Lochte.
Hartford County has also been home to a number of successful businesspeople such as insurance magnate Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini; United Technologies Corporation CEO Louis Chenevert; hedge fund manager Stephen Mandel Jr.; hedge fund manager Paul Tudor Jones II; and Thomas Rastin, founder of the outdoor apparel company Patagonia.
These notable people have all had an impact on Hartford County in one way or another and their contributions will continue to be remembered for years to come.