First Church of Christ and Ancient Burying Ground, Hartford (must see)
The oldest church in Hartford was the First Church of Christ, founded by Thomas Hooker in 1636. The building itself was erected in 1807 as a tribute to Hooker, who is known as the Father of Connecticut.
Visitors cannot enter the church as it remains locked when services are not in session. However, exploring the exterior of the the First Church of Christ shows a stunning structure that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Lovers of architecture will recognize the Classical Revival design that was based off of the Church of Saint Martin in London.
The Ancient Burying Ground is the oldest historic site in Hartford. Visitors can walk through the grounds during daylight hours where they will observe gravestones dating to 1640. Interred at the Ancient Burying Ground are Thomas Hooker, founder of Connecticut; colonial governors William Leete and Joseph Talcott; English Royal Colonial Governor, John Haynes; and Jeremiah Wadsworth, delegate to the Continental Congress from Connecticut.
Tourists can guide themselves around the church and burying ground or they can sign up for a guided tour. The gates are open every day between 9AM and 5PM unless weather causes disruption. It is an excellent location for an easy, yet meaningful trip to the past.
Thanks to the central location, the First Church of Christ and Ancient Burying Ground are perfect choices for all visitors to the city. They are only blocks from the Connecticut River and Constitution Plaza. Both are accessible by a short walk from Bushnell Park.
Why You Should Visit:
Any lover of history should not let a trip to Hartford pass without a visit to the Ancient Burying Ground. As it is the oldest structure of its type in the state, there is no substitution for this solemn, yet meaningful visit.
Tips:
Plan the trip to the First Church of Christ and Ancient Burying Ground around any trips to Bushnell Park. It is a short distance and well worth the walk. There is no charge for the outdoor, self-guided visit.
Visitors cannot enter the church as it remains locked when services are not in session. However, exploring the exterior of the the First Church of Christ shows a stunning structure that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Lovers of architecture will recognize the Classical Revival design that was based off of the Church of Saint Martin in London.
The Ancient Burying Ground is the oldest historic site in Hartford. Visitors can walk through the grounds during daylight hours where they will observe gravestones dating to 1640. Interred at the Ancient Burying Ground are Thomas Hooker, founder of Connecticut; colonial governors William Leete and Joseph Talcott; English Royal Colonial Governor, John Haynes; and Jeremiah Wadsworth, delegate to the Continental Congress from Connecticut.
Tourists can guide themselves around the church and burying ground or they can sign up for a guided tour. The gates are open every day between 9AM and 5PM unless weather causes disruption. It is an excellent location for an easy, yet meaningful trip to the past.
Thanks to the central location, the First Church of Christ and Ancient Burying Ground are perfect choices for all visitors to the city. They are only blocks from the Connecticut River and Constitution Plaza. Both are accessible by a short walk from Bushnell Park.
Why You Should Visit:
Any lover of history should not let a trip to Hartford pass without a visit to the Ancient Burying Ground. As it is the oldest structure of its type in the state, there is no substitution for this solemn, yet meaningful visit.
Tips:
Plan the trip to the First Church of Christ and Ancient Burying Ground around any trips to Bushnell Park. It is a short distance and well worth the walk. There is no charge for the outdoor, self-guided visit.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Hartford. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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First Church of Christ and Ancient Burying Ground on Map
Sight Name: First Church of Christ and Ancient Burying Ground
Sight Location: Hartford, USA (See walking tours in Hartford)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Hartford, USA (See walking tours in Hartford)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Hartford, Connecticut
Create Your Own Walk in Hartford
Creating your own self-guided walk in Hartford is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hartford Introduction Walking Tour
Hartford, Connecticut is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Founded in 1635, this capital city of Connecticut has a long and storied history. The city offers a multitude of museums, a booming art scene, interesting architecture and excellence in cuisine.
The area where Hartford now sits was once home to Algonquins. More specifically, it was inhabited by the Massacoes, Podunks,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The area where Hartford now sits was once home to Algonquins. More specifically, it was inhabited by the Massacoes, Podunks,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Hartford's Historical Houses Tour
Visiting old houses is like treasure hunting, where you are bound to uncover secrets of the former owners. Hartford was once home to well-known historic figures, whose abodes today have been converted into museums for future generations to explore.
Among these is the Mark Twain House, a former residence of the iconic American author Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. This Victorian... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Among these is the Mark Twain House, a former residence of the iconic American author Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. This Victorian... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Architectural Jewels
Hartford, Connecticut abounds in one-of-a-kind, artistically unique structures 鈥� homes, museums, libraries, and government halls 鈥� each with a distinctive look, appeal, and history of their own. Some of them are celebrated works by well-known architects, and display a variety of styles.
Among these jewels is Armsmear, a historic mansion originally built for Samuel Colt, the famed inventor... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Among these jewels is Armsmear, a historic mansion originally built for Samuel Colt, the famed inventor... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles