The Story of New Britain: A History Forged in Industry and Community
The history of New Britain, Connecticut, is a compelling narrative of transformation. From a humble agricultural parish to a global manufacturing titan, the city's identity has been forged by innovation, hard work, and the diverse communities that chose to call it home. Its famous moniker, the "Hardware City," is not just a nickname but a direct reflection of the industrial legacy that shaped its past and continues to influence its present.
Colonial Origins and Incorporation
New Britain’s story begins in the late 17th century when it was a part of the town of Farmington, known then as the "Great Swamp" parish. For its first century, the area was primarily agricultural. The community grew steadily, and by 1754, it was officially incorporated as the parish of New Britain. It wasn't until 1850 that New Britain was formally incorporated as a separate township, and by 1871, its rapid growth warranted its charter as a city.
The Rise of the "Hardware City"
The 19th century marked the beginning of New Britain's industrial revolution. The city's location, with its available water power and proximity to major trade routes, made it an ideal center for manufacturing. Visionary entrepreneurs founded companies that would soon become household names around the world.
This era of innovation is why New Britain is called the "Hardware City." In 1843, Frederick Trent Stanley established Stanley's Bolt Manufactory, which would later evolve into The Stanley Works, famous for its rules, levels, and hand tools. Shortly after, the P. & F. Corbin Company was founded, becoming a leader in locks and door hardware. These companies, along with others like Russell & Erwin and North & Judd, created a manufacturing ecosystem that earned New Britain a global reputation for high-quality hardware. The city became a hub of invention, with hundreds of patents filed for everything from the first spring-coiled tape measure to advanced locking mechanisms.
A City Built by Immigrants
The booming factories of the 19th and early 20th centuries required a massive workforce, which was supplied by waves of European immigrants. Irish, German, and Italian families were among the first to arrive, but the most significant influx came from Poland. Seeking economic opportunity and fleeing political turmoil, Polish immigrants arrived in large numbers, establishing a vibrant and tight-knit community.
This Polish heritage is still a defining feature of New Britain today. The Broad Street neighborhood became known as "Little Poland" and remains a thriving cultural and commercial district, featuring Polish-language businesses, restaurants, churches, and festivals that celebrate the community's enduring legacy.
The 20th Century and Beyond
New Britain's manufacturing prowess was critical during both World Wars, as its factories retooled to produce munitions and other essential military hardware. Following the wars, the city faced the challenges of deindustrialization that affected many American manufacturing centers.
While the landscape of industry has changed, the history of New Britain, CT, is preserved in its architecture, its museums, and its people. The city is home to the New Britain Museum of American Art, the first museum in the country dedicated solely to American art, and Central Connecticut State University, which contributes to its intellectual and cultural life. The legacy of innovation and hard work established by figures like the scholar and diplomat Elihu Burritt, "The Learned Blacksmith," continues to inspire the city as it navigates the 21st century.
Today, New Britain's history is a story of resilience—a city that powered a nation with its hardware and welcomed the world to its neighborhoods.