Hartford, CT
Capital of Connecticut
Overview
Hartford is the capital city of Connecticut, located in the Northeast region of the United States. Founded in 1635, the city has grown to a population of approximately 121,054 residents within a state of 3,605,944 people. As the seat of Connecticut's state government, Hartford serves as the political and administrative center of the state.
The city is home to the Connecticut State Capitol, a High Victorian Gothic structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1878. Designed by Richard M. Upjohn, the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.
Hartford has served as the capital of Connecticut since 1875. Before Hartford, the state's capital was located in New Haven.
Connecticut State Capitol
The Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford is one of the most ornate and architecturally distinctive capitols in the United States, built in the High Victorian Gothic style. The building features a gilded dome, marble floors, and elaborate stone carvings on its exterior depicting scenes of Connecticut history. Situated in Bushnell Park, it is considered one of architect Richard Upjohn's masterpieces.
Gothic Revival and Eastlake style
Notable Features
- High Victorian Gothic architecture with turrets and gables
- Gilded dome with 12 carved statues
- Exterior carvings depicting scenes from Connecticut history
- Marble and granite interior with elaborate woodwork
- Located in Bushnell Park, one of the oldest public parks in the U.S.
- Stained glass windows throughout the building
Media Gallery
Original footage coming soon! User-submitted photos welcome.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- ★Hartford and New Haven served as co-capitals of Connecticut until 1875, when Hartford became the sole capital.
- ★The Connecticut State Capitol sits in Bushnell Park, the first publicly funded park in the United States.
- ★Connecticut's Fundamental Orders of 1639 are considered one of the first written constitutions in the Western tradition, earning it the nickname 'The Constitution State.'
- ★The building's dome was originally tin but has been gilded with gold leaf.
- ★Mark Twain's house is located just two miles from the capitol, and he lived in Hartford while writing 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.'
- ★The capitol building cost about $2.5 million to construct in the 1870s, an enormous sum at the time.