Before we dive into West Hartford’s history, did you know there’s a Reddit community for Valley locals? r/FarmingtonValleyCT is a friendly spot to swap stories, share hidden gems, and talk about events from Farmington to Simsbury. Come join the conversation and show your town pride!

West Hartford - The name West Hartford may sound purely directional, but behind that modest label lies a story of independence, growth, and transformation that mirrors America itself.

The area that would become West Hartford first drew settlers in the 1600s, when followers of Reverend Thomas Hooker left Massachusetts to found the Hartford Colony. By 1672, as families pushed further from the city’s center, Hartford’s leaders divided new farmland into what they simply called the West Division. Seventy-two long, narrow lots stretched between present-day Quaker Lane and Mountain Road, and one of the earliest settlers, Stephen Hosmer, established a sawmill along North Main Street, which was the town’s first recorded industry.

For generations, life here revolved around the land. Farmers grew grain, pressed cider, and relied on small mills and tanneries that dotted local streams. In 1712, residents built their first Congregational meetinghouse at what’s now Farmington Avenue and Main Street, giving the area a true “center”, a name that still defines the heart of town life today.

But as the West Division grew, so did its sense of identity. For decades, residents petitioned Hartford for political independence. Their first attempts in the late 1700s were denied, but in 1854, after nearly 180 years of waiting, the Connecticut General Assembly finally approved separation, and West Hartford became its own town. The name was simple, but the victory was hard-won.

And even then, the debate wasn’t over. In 1895, wealthy residents on the East Side petitioned to rejoin Hartford, a move firmly rejected by their neighbors. Then in 1923 and 1924, Hartford pushed for a “Greater Hartford Plan” that would annex West Hartford back into the city. Town residents rallied to preserve their independence, defeating the proposal by a decisive 2,100 to 613 vote.

The town’s determination to chart its own course paid off. The 19th century brought trolleys, mills, and factories in Elmwood; the 20th brought suburban expansion, highways, and shopping centers like Westfarms Mall and Blue Back Square. Each wave of change added another layer to the story, from a simple outpost to a manufacturing hub to a modern suburb. Today, West Hartford’s once-homogenous community of farmers has evolved into a vibrant, diverse city-within-a-town with more than 60,000 residents, that speak over 60 different languages and represent dozens of faiths.

So while its name may sound modest, West Hartford has always been a place with an independent streak, a town that refused to be just another part of Hartford, even when the city tried (twice) to take it back.

📜 Did You Know?

At the time of the American Revolution, West Hartford had more sheep than people. A strange, but fun fact, over 3,000 sheep and just about 1,000 residents!

🔍Valley Trivia

In 1983, the militant Puerto Rican group "Los Macheteros" pulled off what was, at the time, the largest heist in U.S. history by robbing a Wells Fargo in West Hartford. How much money did they make off with?

A) $1 million B) $3 million C) $7 million D) $10 million

Find out in next month’s issue!

Last Month's Trivia Answer

Question: The Shops at Farmington Valley, home to favorites like Barnes & Noble, Valley Kids Co., and Pure Barre, opened in what year?

Answer: 2004 Today, The Shops host a myriad of events throughout the year, including outdoor fitness classes, family movie nights, holiday strolls, and seasonal pop-ups. It’s more than just a shopping stop, it’s a destination.

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

Look for icons to find your crowd: 🎈 kid-friendly • 👤 adult • 🌞 all ages

Puzzle Exchange - All November at the Barney Library in Farmington
Clear some shelf space and share the fun, drop off gently used puzzles (all pieces included!) at Barney Library throughout November during open hours. Puzzles for all ages are welcome, just bag the pieces inside the box and bring them to the Main Street location.

Family Photo Shoot - Simsbury Library
On November 8, 9, 15, and 16, the Simsbury Camera Club will offer 20-minute family photo sessions for $50, including all digital images, perfect for holiday cards or family photo albums. Call 860-658-7663 (option 4) to reserve your spot.

Library Events
Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.