Hartford

Hartford was named in 1637 after the English town of Hertford, while its Indian name was Suckiaug. The Dutch made the first colonial settlement there in 1633, calling it the House of Good Hope. In 1636 the Reverend Thomas Hooker arrived overland from Newtown (Cambridge), Massachusetts, with his congregation, and at first the settlement was called Newtown. In 1639 the Fundamental Orders were adopted there, often considered the first written constitution creating a government. Hartford served as the capital of Connecticut Colony until 1701, when, after the absorption of New Haven Colony, Hartford and New Haven became the two capitals. In 1875 Hartford became the sole capital.

Hartford, Connecticut · United States