New Britain

New Britain, industrial city (1990 pop. 75,491), Hartford co., central Conn.; settled c.1686, inc. 1871. The tin shops and brassworks in the city were established in the 18th cent. New Britain became famous as the “Hardware City” because of its tool and household-hardware industry, which remains economically important. Central Connecticut State Univ. is there. Of interest are the city hall (1884), a park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the center of the city, and a museum of American art. Elihu Burritt was born in New Britain.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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