Hartford

Answer 1

Visitors to Hartford, Connecticut will encounter not only a historically important city, but also a hip, modern one with countless interesting sights and activities. Whether they want to take in a show and eat a fancy dinner, or they prefer a quiet sunny day in the park, these options and more are available any time.

The land that is now Hartford, the state capital of Connecticut, was first colonized in 1623 by the Dutch, and then in 1635 by English settlers who changed its name from Newtown to Hartford in 1637.

Hartford can claim to be "first" in several areas: The Hartford Courant, founded in 1764, is the oldest newspaper in the United States. Hartford opened the country's first school for the deaf in 1817. Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest public art museum in the U.S., and Bushnell Park, the country's oldest public park, both reside in Hartford.

The Hartford Insurance Company is the oldest one in the United States, and today Aetna, Travelers, and several other major insurance companies are headquartered in Hartford, earning it the name "insurance capital of the world."

Notable historic attractions in the city of Hartford include the Mark Twain House and Museum, where the author Samuel Clemens lived. Interestingly, his next-door neighbor was Harriet Beecher Stowe, abolitionist and author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Her house is a historical landmark and research center now, as well.

For arts fans, the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts features concerts by the Hartford Symphony, as well as many other live shows. The XL Center (formerly the Hartford Civic Center) hosts various entertainment events, and it features the University of Connecticut men's and women's basketball games. There are even more events to experience at the nearby Connecticut Convention Center. Its adjacent hotel, the Hartford Marriott Downtown, is just one of many convenient hotels in the area.

Hartford has at least 18 distinct neighborhoods, all with diverse populations, cuisines, and attractions to explore. After a period of economic decline, the area has attempted revitalization, focusing on new developments in the downtown area. Many new condominiums and apartments have appeared in the last five to seven years. Perhaps the state's newest attraction, the Connecticut Science Center opened in June 2009.

Hartford is located 20 minutes from Bradley International Airport, and train service is available via Amtrak at Union Station. There is a citywide bus system and a free "star shuttle" downtown.