History of New Britain, Connecticut, USA

1687 - New Britain founded

wikipedia.org

1849 - Teachers' College
First teachers' college founded at New Britain (now Central Connecticut State University).
Timeline of Connecticut History (ctfamilyhistory.com)

1854 - New Britain
New Britain, a flourishing post-borough of Hartford county, Connecticut, on the Hartford, Providence, and Fishkill railroad, 11 miles S. W. from Hartford, and 2 miles W. from the station on the Hartford and New Haven railroad. This beautiful borough, built up within the last few years, owes its prosperity almost entirely to its manufactures, which comprise various articles of brass, tin, and plated ware, hooks and eyes, &c. It is handsomely laid out with an ornamental square in the centre, on which front many fine residences, a hotel, and several of the churches. The hotel, called the Humphrey House, opened January, 1851, cost, with its furniture, upwards of $35,000. New Britain is the seat of the state normal school, organized in 1849. The building, erected at a cost of about $17,000, also contains the town hall. Top. of the township in 1850, 3029; and of the borough in 1853, about 3000.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1883 - A NARROW ESCAPE.
Railway Accident in Connecticut - Remarkable Escape from a Serious Disaster.

NEW BRITAIN, Conn., Sept. 3. The early morning passenger train, Conductor Densmore, bound east from Brewster's, jumped the track half a mile east of New Britain at 8:40 this morning owning to a misplaced switch, which threw the train on to a siding. The engineer James Allen, was seriously cut about the head and arms. No passenger was injured. The engine and tender are a complete wreck.

HARTFORD, Conn., Sept. 3. The accident to the passenger train on the New York and New England Railroad at New Britain this morning was due to trackmen, who were tapping ties. The switch had been thrown out of place temporarily, and was not readjusted in time for the passenger train to pass, which was nearly due. The engineer discovered his train on the siding and reversed his engine, but too late to prevent a collision, which struck two freight cars heavily loaded, standing on the track, completely demolishing them. The... Read MORE...

1895 - New Britain
New Britain, brit’t'n, a beautiful city of Hartford." Conn., in New Britain township, on the New York & New England Railroad, at the junction of the Berlin Branch of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, 10 miles S.W. of Hartford, and about 18 miles N.E. of Waterbury. It contains 14 churches, 2 national banks, 2 savings-banks, the Connecticut State Normal School, and printing offices which issue 2 daily and 3 weekly newspapers. The city is lighted with electricity, and has an abundant water supply, a public park of 72 acres, and in the centre of the town a square adorned with trees and fountains. New Britain has extensive manufactures of hardware, cutlery, hosiery, jewelry, and locks. Here is the Russel & Erwin Company, whose works cover 5 acres of ground, giving employment to 500 men and producing millions of dollars worth of locks per annum; and here also is the American Hosiery Company, said to be the most extensive concern of its kind in the country. Lines of electric cars... Read MORE...

1904 - Interior of Edifice Ruined and Two Priests Endangered.
NEW BRITAIN, Conn., Jan. 21. — An explosion in the basement of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church here at 12:30 to-night caused a fire which totally destroyed the interior of the structure. Fathers Harty and Leddy ran into the burning building and attempted to save the blessed sacrament.

The flames were so hot, however, that they did not succeed, and the priests were rescued with difficulty by the firemen. The church was built in 1888, and is one of the most beautiful in New England. It is estimated that the loss will be $50,000.
The New York Times
New Haven, Connecticut
January 22, 1904

1905 - BODY CUT IN TWO.
New Britain, Conn., Dec. 13 - The Main street grade crossing, where several deaths have occurred, was the scene of another fatality last evening when John Stefanik, the driver of a delivery team, was instantly killed by the cars. Stefanik's body was cut in two. He was 32 years old.
The Fitchburg Sentinel
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
December 13, 1905

1906
New Britain, a city of Hartford co., Conn., in New Britain township (town), on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 10 miles SW. of Hartford. It contains the Connecticut State Normal School, the New Britain Institute, a Roman Catholic cathedral, etc., and has extensive manufactures of builders', cabinet, and harness hardware, cutlery, hosiery, knitted goods, hot-air registers, etc. Elihu Burrit, the "learned blacksmith," was born here. Pop. of the city in 1900, 25,998; of the town, 28,202.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1907 - NEW BRITAIN TROLLIES CRASH. Many Seriously Injured But No Fatalities.
A bad head-on trolly{sic} accident, which probably will result fatally, occurred last night on a grade near White Oak park, a summer resort between New Britain, Ct., and Plainville. Nearly a dozen persons were injured. Both cars were crowded with pleasure seekers and were wrecked, and the passengers had practically no time in which to jump and make their escape. Several of those hurt were taken to the New Britain hospital on special cars. They are:

Mrs. Bertie Firkin of New Britain and her daughter, Florence, each thought to be internally injured.

Joseph Stanton, 32, one of the motormen, crushed knees and bad scalp wounds. Injuries may prove fatal.

Charles Terry, also a motorman, crushed about the legs and arms.
Mrs. Guvins of Plainville, cuts on body.
Miss Kittie Suber of Plainville, severe bruises on the back.

A man named Peterson, believed to be from New Britain, badly hurt about the head.

Many doctors were sent to the scene of the wreck from New Britain and... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in New Britain:
New Britain Museum of American Art: Start your exploration of New Britain with a visit to this renowned museum. It boasts an impressive collection of American art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The museum often hosts special exhibitions and events, making it a cultural hub in the city.

Walnut Hill Park: This beautiful park is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic. It features scenic paths, a pond, and a rose garden. During the summer, the park hosts concerts and outdoor movies, providing a delightful community atmosphere.

Central Connecticut State University: If you're interested in education and culture, take a walk around the Central Connecticut State University campus. You can explore the campus's architecture and visit the Elihu Burritt Library.

New Britain Industrial Museum: Delve into the city's industrial history by visiting this museum. It showcases the significance of manufacturing and innovation in New Britain and the... Read MORE...