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HartfordHistorynet HartfordHistory.net concerns the history of Hartford, the capital city of Connecticut.

page of HartfordHistory.net, a website dedicated to the history of Hartford, Connecticut.

10/06/2026
10/06/2026

Buried treasure from a long-lost Spanish galleon may still be hidden nearby. Link in comments to find out more. ⬇️

10/06/2026
10/06/2026

Happy 200th birthday to Elizabeth C**t! 🎂

Born on October 5, 1826, Elizabeth C**t was a collector, philanthropist, and longtime supporter of the arts in Hartford. In 1905, she bequeathed her extensive collection of art and objects to The Wadsworth, helping shape the museum’s collection for generations to come.

Today, we celebrate Elizabeth C**t’s lasting legacy and the many ways her generosity continues to be part of The Wadsworth.

This portrait was commissioned by Elizabeth C**t to depict herself and her sole surviving child, Caldwell, commemorating her commercial and social accomplishments. It hung in the ballroom of the C**t family home, “Armsmear,” from 1865 until it was given to The Wadsworth in 1905.

👀 See it outside Morgan Great Hall, alongside the matching portrait of her husband, Samuel.

Image: Charles Loring Elliott, (American, 1812-1868), "Mrs. Elizabeth Hart Jarvis C**t and Son Caldwell", 1865. Oil on canvas. The Elizabeth Hart Jarvis C**t Collection, 1905.9.

**t

10/06/2026

Since 1884, the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch has stood as a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and pride. But after 140 years, this Hartford icon now requires significant preservation work. Recent engineering assessments confirm that restoring and protecting it will require a $1.5 million investment to address active structural deterioration and ensure its long‑term stability, along with raising funds to support the ongoing preservation that will be needed over the next 140 years.

The Arch was dedicated in 1886 to honor the 4,000 Hartford citizens who served in the Civil War, including the 400 who died for the Union. It has stood for generations as a symbol of courage, remembrance, and community. Now, it’s our turn to care for it.

Your contribution to the Bushnell Park Conservancy's restoration fund will directly support critical structural repairs, protect its unique architectural details, and ensure that this iconic landmark continues to stand tall.

Donations of any amount are welcome. Make yours today at the link below.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/soldiers-and-sailors-memorial-arch-preservation-campaign

10/05/2026

🍂 October Tours at Elizabeth Park 🍂

Join us this October for several guided tours of Elizabeth Park! 🌳

All tours are free and begin at the flagpole in front of the Cottage.

🌕 Registration is required for the Full Moon History Tour on Monday, October 26 at 7 PM👉 Click here to register: Moon History Tour

🍁 See our Facebook Events or our website for more upcoming events at Elizabeth Park.

01/09/2026

This photo was taken from the Connecticut State Capitol building in the 1890s and is attributed to Poquonock resident, artist, and photographer C. Robert Hatheway. It shows the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in the foreground, which at the time was only about 10 years old, and a fairly unrecognizable Hartford behind it. The Arch was the first such “triumphal arch” in the country, honoring the 4,000 people of Hartford who served in the Civil War.

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