The area now known as New Britain was first settled by Europeans in 1687. Originally part of the nearby town of Berlin, the New Britain Society was incorporated as a parish in 1754. It was chartered as a township in 1850 and as a city in 1871. Over the course of the latter half of the 20th century, the new city quickly evolved into a major industrial center. Aided by its tin and brass industries, the Civil War, and massive waves of European immigration, by the turn of the century New Britain was recognized as one of world’s leading centers of industry and innovation.
From 1910 to 1960, New Britain was among the world’s leading producers of hardware, earning it the nickname “Hardware City.” Companies such as The Stanley Works, Fafnir Bearing, Corbin Locks, American Hardware, and New Britain Machine Co. made their headquarters in large, multi-story brick factories all around the city center and sprawling down the city’s southern corridor. Adjacent to the factory districts was a bustling downtown where merchants sold their wares to a prosperous working-class community. Surrounding the city core were the two and three family houses where the factory workers dwelled, all within walking distance of the factories and shops. These houses still stand today, especially on the city’s East Side and in the North Oak neighborhood.
In the 1960’s, New Britain went through a period of massive redevelopment. The old crumbling brick factories of old came down, and where they once stood became routes 9 and 72, providing New Britain with ample major highway access.
Though many of the companies that developed them have faded into history, New Britain’s contributions to American life and culture are still with us today. The wire coat hangar was invented here in 1869. The Powerlock Tape Measure and the utility knife were innovations of The Stanley Works. In 1895, the Basketball technique of dribbling was invented at the New Britain YMCA.
Although most of the major manufacturing jobs that New Britain had once relied on are now gone, New Britain stands poised for yet another phase of redevelopment at the dawn of a new century. New businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs are moving into the old city core, bringing with them a new spark to this old piece of New England.
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