USA > Connecticut > A gazetteer of the states of Connecticut and Rhode-Island : written with care and impartiality, from original and authentic materials : consisting of two parts : with an accurate and improved map of each state > Part 6
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In the south part of the town, towards Wethersfield, the soil is more inclining to sand, and in some
small sections this is a predomina- ting quality. The tract of meadow upon Connecticut river, which is formed by alluvial deposits, is natu- rally fertile, feasible, and produc- tive. It produces allkinds of grass- es, plants, esculent roots, and grains adapted to the climate ; and never fails to reward, in the most ample manner, the labours of the judici- ous and faithful husbandman.
There are not many forests in this town, but the natural growth . of trees are oak of the various kinds, walnut or hickory, elm, ash, maple, button-wood, willow, horn- beam, sassafras, thorn, locust, but- ternut, birch, wild cherry, bass, al- der, sumach and various shrubs, and trees of small growth.
GEOLOGY. We can give on- ly a few notices upon this impor- tant and interesting subject.
Geological knowledge, in this country, is extremely scanty and imperfect. There is no science of so great utility, and which, at the same time, affords so amusing and interesting a study, as that which embraces an inquiry into the nature and geological struc- ture of the globe which we inhabit, that has been so much neglected. But of late, it has made great progress in Europe ; and Cuvier, Werner, Davy, Humboldt, and others, have exploredthe bowels of the earth, and disclosed its innu- merable hidden secrets and treas- ures. And in the United States, an investigation of the internal structure of our extensive moun- tains, and other subjects of geolo- gical enquiry, are beginning to at- tract the attention of men of sci- ence, throughout the union. In Connecticut, with the exception of
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the scientific industry and inqui- ries of one gentleman,* wc know of little that has been attempted, cal- culated to afford even a scanty knowledge of its mineralogy, and geological structure.
The internal structure of this township, has never been a subject of particular or scientific examina- tion. The soil, with the excep- tion of the alluvial lands on the river, is of a primitive formation, and is composed of argil, and a coarse sand, or gravel, and affords no minerals, nor any evidences of marine or alluvial deposits. From the bed of Mill river, and other streams which intersect the town, and from the general geological character of the district of country upon Connecticut river, extending from the narrows below Middle- town, to Deerfield, in Massachu- setts, there can be no doubt but that the whole township reposes upon a bed of argillaceous schistus, or clay slate rock. This rock is stratified, and exhibits a strata, forming an angle of about fifteen degrees with the horizon. There are several varieties of the clay slate rock ; some of which are found to be of the most metallifc- rous kind, and to abound with min- erals, and the ore of the various metals. But the clay slate forma- tion of this town, although never particularly examined, affords no ovidences of mineral or metallic treasures. It is of a primitive formation, and exhibits no appear- ances of marine shells, or muscular impressions.
This rock has never been pene- frated to any considerable extent ;
* Professor Silliman.
but from the principles of geology, being of the primitive order, which never rest upon secondary rocks, it would follow that it is not under- laid by any secondary formations, or rocks inclosing animal remains, shells, or marine deposits.
About two miles west from the river is an extensive quarry, or bed of wall stone; it is composed of strata of clay slate, caped with green stone, and red sand stone, which is nearly an indurated clay, being formed of grains of sand, connected together by a basis of clay slate. This quarry is of con- siderable utility, as affording the means of supplying the city, and other parts of the town in the vicinity, with stone for building. and various other purposes.
RIVERS. This township, bor- dering on Connecticut river. which annually overflows its banks, and fertilizes its borders, and being near the head of tide water, enjoys to a greater extent than any other town, the advantages of one of the finest rivers in the world.
Mill river is the only stream within this town, deserving of no- ticc. It is formed from the junction of . Wintonbury and Woods rivers, which unite about two miles from its mouth. The former of these strcams rises in, and runs through the west Society of Windsor, of the same name ; the latter has its sources in, and runs through the western part of Wethersfield. On their entering into this township, the one runs southeasterly, & the other north- casterly, nearly upon a line, whereby they intersect the town- ship into two nearly equal parts, cast and west, of these streams ;
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the eastern section being also in- tersected transversely, by Mill riv- er, formed from the union of the two. Mill river is a rapid stream, with elevated and romantic banks, which, from its vicinity to the city, exhibits rural prospects and scene- ry extremely irregular, fanciful and pleasing. Onornearits banks back from the city, are some ele- gant seats, affording the most charming and interesting prospect: of the city, and the surrounding country. This stream, near its mouth, has rapid falls, that are sup- ported by the bed of argillaceous rock, already noticed ; a circum- stance of the greatest importance, and of which the inhabitants have not availed themselves to the greatest extent. It affords numer- ous sites and privileges for mills, manufacturing establishments, ma- chinery, and almost every kind of hydraulic works. These privile- ges, if not improved to the great- est extent, have not been neglect- ed. There are one Cotton Facto- ry, two Woolen Factories, two Grist Mills, Clothier's Works, and other Water Works, which have been erected upon this stream.
ROADS. There are few towns uniting more conveniences, or better accommodated, with res- pect to roads, than Hartford. A- mong others, the following public roads pass through, or centre in this town ; most of which are turnpikes, or artificial roads.
1st. The great atlantic road to New-York, through New-Haven, distance, 123 miles. 2d. The same to Boston, thro' Springfield, 128 miles.
3d. The same do. through Stafford,
93 miles.
4th. The same do. through Ashford, 99 miles. 5th. Road to Albany, through Sheffield, 95 miles.
6th. Road to do. through Lenox, 94 miles.
7th. The road to Brattleboro,' (Vt.) through Northampton, on the west side of Connecticut riv- er, 90 miles.
8th. Road to Hanover, (N. H.) through Springfield, on the east side of the river, - 140 miles. 9th. Road to Providence, thro' Windham, 74 miles. 10th. Road to New-Haven, thro' Middletown, 40 miles. 11th. do. through Ber- lin, - 34 miles. f 12th. do. through Farmington, 38 miles. 13th. Road to Hudson, 78 miles. 14th. Road to New-London, 42 miles.
15th. Road to Norwich, 40 miles. 16th. Road to Danbury, 58 miles.
The foregoing roads, whether turnpikes or not, are well made ; and there are few weeks in the year in which they will not be found by travellers substantially good and pleasant in the vicinity of this town. Eighteen mails communicate with the Post-office in this town, several of which are daily ; there are also thirteen dif- ferent lines of stages, which com- municate with Hartford. It is be- lieved, therefore, that there is no town of its size in the United States, that unites so many facili- ties and conveniences for commu- nication and intercourse abroad.
AGRICULTURE, HORTI- CULTURE, &c. The lands in this town indicate the cultivation of grass, as a leading agricultural in- 6
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terest. The grass, cultivated by the farmers of this town, is of a very fine and superior quality ; and when the land is properly laid down and manured, it is produced in great abundance. The lands, which are in the highest state of grass culture, produce two crops in a season, yielding four, and in some instan- ces five or six tons of hay to the acre, which is worth from ten to twenty dollars per ton ; however, two or three tons is an average crop for grass lands, in a tolerable state of cultivation.
The agricultural interests of this town, considering the advantages ofits local situation, the goodness of its market, and the natural quality of the soil, cannot be said to be very flourishing. Lands of a clay basis ought never to be cul- tivated to grass for more than three years in succession, unless they are dressed very copiously with manure. The plough, " heaven's second best gift to man," can no more be dispensed with upon a grass, than upon a grain farm. Without ploughing or manuring, the best lands are liable to be ru- ined. By turning up the sods, and exposing them to the action of the elements, rain, heat, and frosts, they become warmed, softened, & impregnated with nitrous qualities.
In this, as well as most other towns in this county, lands are suf- fered to remain too long in the same state, and are cropped in the same way, year after year, in suc- cession.
To plough lands to enrich them, would be a novel idea with our farmers, although it is a necessary part of the system of agriculture of many countries.
Among the grains cultivated, Rye and Indian Corn receive the most attention. The latter is cul- tivated with the greatest facility, and with abundant success upon the meadows of Connecticut river, but its cultivation ought not to be encouraged. Of all culmiferous or seedling plants, it is the great- est exhauster of the soil : from the magnitude of its stalks, the exten- sion of its roots, and the scanti- ness of its foliage, it takes away every thing, and leaves nothing.
Wheat, the most valuable of all grains, is much neglected, although there can be no doubt, from the description of the soil, that with proper culture and attention, the land would carry crops of it in great abundance and perfection.
Among the esculent roots cul- tivated, the potatoe holds a dis- tinguished rank. It is raised with, great facility, and in great abund- ance.
Gardening in this town, particu- larly in the city, has received con- siderable attention. A large por- tion of the families cultivate gar- dens, and do not seem disposed to depend upon the market for culi- nary vegetables.
There are a number of gardens here, which, whether we consider the pleasantness and beauty of situation, the style and order in which they are arranged, the neat- ness and attention with which they are cultivated, or the number, va- riety, and luxuriancy of the plants, roots, and vegetables, which they afford, are not probably surpassed by any in the State.
Summer and autumn fruits are also cultivated in gardens, and else- where. Among those cultivated
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upon trees, shrubs, and plants, are apples, apricots, cherries, necta- rines, peaches, pears, plums, quin- ces, currants, gooseberries, rasp- berries, and strawberries.
STATISTICS. The population of this town, at the census, in the year 1800, was 5347 persons ; in 1810, 6003. At the present time, (1818) it may be estimated at 6500.
There are in Hartford,
850 Dwelling houses.
6 Houses for public worship.
12 District schools.
1 do. for Friends.
9 Printing offices.
21 Taverns, or public Inns.
18 Ale, porter, and small beer houses.
14 Houses concerned in navigation. 5 Wholesale dry goods stores.
26 Dry goods retail stores.
61 Grocery, crockery, and pro- vision stores.
7 Druggist's stores.
5 Grain mills.
4 Clothier's works.
1 Cotton factory, of 320 spindles.
2 Woolen do. one of which is in operation, and employs 15 workmen.
2 Carding machines.
1 Machine card factory, which manufactures $10,000 worth of cards annually.
8 Distilleries.
1 Oil mill.
6 Tanneries.
5 Potteries.
1 Button factory.
1 Whip-lash factory, which manu- factures $10,000 worth of the article annually.
2 Hat factories, one of which is upon an extensive scale, and employs 36 workmen.
2 Tin ware factories.
2 Looking glass factories, which together manufacture $30,000 worth of goods annually.
4 Coppersmiths, two of which carry on the business upon a large scale; onc of them em- ploying about 20 workmen.
13 Black smith's shops.
1 Bell foundery.
1 Air furnace.
1 Paper-hanging manufactory.
1 Marble paper do.
6 Book binderies.
7 Book stores.
6 Sign, toach, & house painters.
2 Portrait painters.
3 Engravers.
8 Gold and silver smith's shops.
15 Shoe factories.
1 Fine, or morocco leather do.
4 Shoe stores.
8 Cabinet furniture, and chair- makers.
19 Master house joiners and car- penters.
6 Master masons and brick layers.
4 Carriage makers.
2 Wheel wrights.
10 Coopers.
1 Pewter factory.
1 Burr mill stone manufactory.
2 Leather dressers.
2 Gold leaf manufactories.
1 Umbrella manufactory.
5 Merchant tailors.
6 Tailor's shops.
9 Millinery and mantuamaker's shops.
1 Silk dyer.
1 Sail maker.
1 Brush manufacturer.
6 Bakers.
1 Confectioner.
5 Barber's shops.
3 Auctioneers.
3 Exchange offices.
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HARTFORD.
3 Lottery offices.
16 Butcher's stalls, belonging to the two public markets.
The list of the town, in 1817, was $137,845,75 ; there were 628 taxable polls ; 26 minors ; 395 horses ; 370 oxen ; 820 cows, &c .; 2075 acres of arable or plough lands ; 7292 2 upland, mowing, and clear pasture ; 581 bog mead- ow, mowed ; 5127 bush pasture ; 172 chaises, and 12 coaches.
The late valuation, or assess- ment of the lands and houses of the town, made in pursuance of the laws of the United States, in the year 1816, was $3,168,872,32. In the year 1799, 751,532,91.
The number of dwelling houses, the same year, was 593.
This statement, of the valuation of real estate, and of the number of dwelling houses, at these two different periods, is a striking evi- dence of the growth, and rising importance of the town. In the course of the last nineteen years. the dwelling houses have increas- od 227 ; and in the short space of seventeen years, the real estate of the town increased more than four hundred per cent ; making an entire addition of $2,417,339,41, which is more than three times the amount of the value, at that time, of the whole real estate of the town. This has not been a period of great, or even usual prosperity. It has been marked by a succession of commercial difficulties, embarrassments, and restrictions. From 1805-6, to the close of the late war, the com- mercial interests of the country were more or less precarious and embarrassed, and, at times, wholly suspended.
The system of warfare carried on by the two great belligerents of Europe, either involved all other powers, or from a total disregard of all established principles, tended to abridge and sacrifice their commer- cial rights and interest.
This country, from the enter- prise of its citizens, and the extent of its commercial interests, suffer- ed more severely than any other. The embargo and restrictive mea- sures ensued, which were followed by war; which, together, compri- sed a period of eight years, of peculiar commercial difficulties. Since the peace, the manufacturing interests that had grown up during the war, have been nearly sacrifi- ced, and those of trade have expe- rienced great languor. The de- pression of these interests neces- sarily affects that of agriculture ; during this period, also, there has. been a constant course of emigra- tion from the State, and from this town and vicinity ; yet, under these inauspicious circumstances, the property of the town has in- creased, by rise of real estate, and the addition of buildings, four fold ; but it is not to be inferred that the size, or business of the town, has extended in this ratio. The rise of real estate proceeds from other causes ; it is influenced not only by population and business, but by improvements, social refinements, and almost the whole train of arti- ficial causes, which exist in society.
The augmentation, or rise of property, has enriched the land holders in a manner, and to an amount, of which they are scarcely sensible. They have become rich, without exertion or calculation ; they have profited from the indus-
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HARTFORD.
try, the enterprise, and the busi- ness of others, whether successful or profitable to themselves, or not. The improvements, the refine- ments, and even the luxuries and vices of society, which ruin others. have been a source of gain to them. If, under these circum- stances, the town has advanced in wealth and importance, in this as- tonishing ratio, whatever may be thought of the influence of emi- gration, or other unfavourable cir- cumstances, it may be safely calcu- lated, that it will continue to ex- tend its size ; its interests ; and its consequence.
In Hartford, there are 5 officia- ting Clergymen ; 22 practising Attornies ; 12 practising Physi- cians and Surgeons. There are, of militia, 1 company of Light Artillery ; 2 companies of Infantry ; one do. of Light Infantry ; one company of Riflemen ; also, one company of Horse, and one of Foot Guards. These several mil- itary companies, in style, and ele- gance of uniform ; in correctness of discipline ; and in skilfulness of military evolutions, are not sur- passed by any companies of mili- tia in the United States.
There are about 1000 Electors, or Freemen, in this town ; a num- ber which exceeds, by several hundreds, any other town in the State.
The civil divisions of Hartford are two Ecclesiastical Societies ; 12 districts for Schools, and an incorporated City.
HARTFORD CITY was incor- porated in 1784 ; it comprises an area of about seven hundred acres. being more than a mile in length upon the river, and about three
fourths of a mile in breadth. Its site, if not in every respect eligible, is pleasant and interesting. The alluvial flat upon the river is nar- row, being from 40 to a hundred rods, and connects with the upland with a very gradual elevation. There are several streets upon the flat, and several upon the rise of land, which, though not parallel, run in a corresponding direction with the river. These streets are intersected by a number of others, running back from the river, but do not regularly cross them at right angles. The city is irregu- larly laid out, and rather appears, with respect to the order of it, to have been the result of circum- stances, than design or arrange- ment. It comprises in all twenty- four streets, of which Main-street, being the great river road, and ex- tending through the city, from north to south, in a serpentine di- rection, is the principal. This street is well built, and, for more than a mile, presents an almost continued range of buildings ; ma- ny of which are large and ele- gant brick edifices. It comprises most of the public buildings, and a considerable proportion of the population, wealth, & business of the city. The street is not paved, but has been underlaid with a stra- tum of stone, which renders it firm and generally dry, and it has con- venient and handsome flagged side walks.
State-street, next to Main-street, claims a conspicuous notice. Run- ning westerly from the river, it connects with Main-street by two branches, which enclose the State House square. This union forms the most central part of the city.
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HARTFORD.
and is its greatest theatre of activ- ity and business. This street, to- wards Main-street, is compactly built, and contains many large and elegant brick buildings.
Morgan-street extends from the principal angle or curve in Main- street, eastwardly to the great bridge across the river opposite the city. This street, being in a great measure dependent upon the bridge forits population and consequence, was not of much consideration at the time that was erected; since which, in the short interval of a- bout nine years, it has become an important section of the city. The repair, or re-building of the bridge, which has taken place the season past, givingit a more permanent and durable character, and correcting some ofits inconveniences, in con- nection with the circumstance of the discontinuance of the ferry, must have a sensible influence up- on the growth and importance of Morgan-street.
Commerce-street runs along the bank or margin of the river. It is the seat of a considerable portion of the maritime business, and many of the houses, concerned in navi- gation, have stores in this street.
Ferry-street extends westerly from the river, at the landing of the ferry, to Front-street. It was built at an early period, and has always been a compressed and ac- tive part of the city. An appre- hension has been indulged, that the discontinuance of the ferry, there- by diverting the public travel to Morgan-street, would essentially injure this section of the city ; but it is believed that there is little foundation for this idea. Ferry- street contains several mercantile
houses, engaged in navigation, and a great number of respectable Grocers and Traders.
Front-street extends from the northern part of the city, to Mill river. It is considerably built, and is increasing in population ; yet it sustains little, or no com- mercial business.
Prospect-street extends from State-street, to School-street. It is delightfully situated, andis orna- mented with a number of superb dwelling-houses, and elegant and tasteful gardens.
Trumbull-street extends from the north part of Main-street, to Mill river. It contains many dwelling houses ; some of which are elegant brick buildings, and is a pleasant and healthy street for a residence. An extension of this street to the New-Haven turnpike, and the erection of a bridge across the river, which would be necessary for this purpose, could not fail to add greatly to its con- sequence, and that of other sec- tions of the city.
Pearl-street, extending from Main to Trumbull-street, is short, but very handsomely built, com- prising a number of elegant brick edifices.
Church-street runs westwardly from Main-street; it has many neat and well built houses.
West-street is a pleasant, pros- pective and rural situation. It has a considerable elevation, and af- fords a view of the whole city, and unites the pleasantness, and, in some measure, the conveniences of the country and city.
Within the limits of the corpo- ration, the city of Hartford con- tains 540 dwelling houses, which
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HARTFORD.
afford convenient tenements for nearly seven hundred families. The population of the city, at the cen- sus of 1810, was 3955, exclusive of the suburbs. The public build- ings of the city are, a State House, four Churches, two Banking hou- ses, a State Arsenal, (being just without the limits of the corpora- tion,) and a county Gaol. The State House, which is situated in the central public square already noticed, is a stately stone and brick edifice of the doric order, being 114 feet by 76, including the two porticos; the walls of which are 54 feet in height. The two porti- cos are 38 feet by 17 each. On the basement floor is a large hall or area, extending through the building; on the left of which is a spacious and convenient court- room, on the right are two rooms occupied as public offices by the Treasurer and Controller. On the second floor are two spacious halls or apartments designed for, and occupied by, the two Houses of the Legislature; that on the right or the south wing of the building, being occupied by the Governor and Council, is called the Council Chamber; that in the north wing, being occupied by the House of Representatives, is denominated the Representatives' Chamber. The latter is provided with a small and inconvenient gallery, and the former with none at all. At the late session of the Assembly, how- ever, a resolution was adopted, and a committee appointed to provide a gallery or bar to the Council Chamber, so as to admit spectators. Upon the second floor in the por- tico, at the west end of the build- ing, is a room occupied as an office
by the Secretaryof State. On the third floor are several large rooms designed for committee-rooms, but which are considerably neg- lected. If the Legislature could be persuaded to make a small annual appropriation for the purchase of a library, to be called the State Li- brary, one of those rooms would be a convenient apartment for this purpose; and having been occupi- ed for a number of years by Mr. Stewart's museum, it has already become consecrated to the arts and sciences.
The new congregational meet- ing house, situated in Main-street, is a superb brick edifice, being 104 feet by 64; and its style and archi- tecture, which is of the Ionic or- der, are among the finestspecimens of the arts that are to be found in this State; in front, it has a lofty and elegant portico, supported by eight large columns, four in front and four in rear, resting upon an elevated stone base, which is ap- proached by a flight of steps.
The two banking houses, one situated in Main, and the other in State-street, are elegant and neat buildings; and are also fine speci- mens of the arts. The Hartford bank, in State-street, is a brick edi- fice with a portico in front, sup- ported by four stone columns rest- ing upon an elevated basement, which is surrounded by a flight of steps. The Phoenix bank, in Main-street, directly opposite the State House, has an elegant white marble front; the other walls are of brick. It is entered by an ele- vated flight of steps, ornamented with an iron balustrade fence.
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