The capital of Connecticut bustles with employment, educational, recreational and cultural opportunities. Established in 1635, Hartford quickly grew into an important and prosperous manufacturing and trading center.

Because an abundance of valuable merchandise stored in Hartford required protection against theft and damage many insurance enterprises developed. Some of the world's largest insurance companies have their headquarters in the city. They employ thousands of people from around Connecticut and are the economic foundation of the city. The Traveler's tower is one of the signature buildings of the insurance industry that defines the city skyline.

Mark Twain and Daniel Wadsworth are among Hartford's notable residents. Enjoy a tour of the Mark Twain House & Museum - a National Historic Landmark. This 2,000-square-foot gallery is filled with rare manuscripts, photos, artifacts and fine arts not seen anywhere else. Daniel Wadsworth established the Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest art museum in the country. It houses an impressive collection of historic furnishings as well as American and European art. The Butler-McCook House and Garden is the city’s oldest house, containing the oldest collection of art, antiques and household items with a restored Victorian Garden. Original furnishings range from Connecticut-crafted Colonial furniture to Victorian-era toys and paintings.

The Old State House designed by Charles Bulfinch, this is the oldest state house in the nation. The Victorian Gothic styled State Capitol and Legislative Office building houses state executive offices, legislative chamber, and historic displays.

Another popular attraction is the Civic Center which features sporting and cultural events, shops, restaurants, and luxury apartments in a 36-story tower. Restored to its original 19th century condition, Union Station includes the refurbished brownstone depot, restaurants, shops and lively entertainment.

The Downtown Library was originally founded in 1774 and is a large library containing approximately 500,000 items including books, reference materials, audio books, and children's books. A cafe is located inside the library that serves gourmet teas, coffees, and pastries with a special atmosphere. Adriaen's Landing, located on the Connecticut riverfront is home to the 540,000-square-foot Connecticut Convention Center, the Connecticut Science Center and a hotel.

The Connecticut Opera Company since 1942 has been presenting fully-staged, high quality mainstage operatic productions at the Bushnell Theater. The Charter Oak Cultural Center is an important performance space where exhibitions, performances, in-school programs, lectures and workshops provides the opportunity to learn, celebrate, and understand a diversity of cultures.

Adriaen's Landing, located on the Connecticut riverfront is home to the 540,000-square-foot Connecticut Convention Center, the Connecticut Science Center and a hotel.

Hartford extensive public school system includes several interdistrict magnet schools and is also home to a large parochial system that provides private instruction. In addition there are also a half-dozen private and public colleges and universities in the city.

The Hartford Golf Club is a complete private country club offering 27 beautifully designed holes of golf, as well as three swimming pools, nine tennis courts, four squash courts and four bowling alleys. The club also features a grand ballroom and many banquet facilities.

For the adventurous, CT Ballooning, LLC is a professional service providing unique and unforgettable hot air balloon rides over central Connecticut.

Conveniently located in the center of Connecticut, Hartford is at the crossroads of Interstates 91 and 84, with rail and bus service. Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks is only 20 minutes away.