HARTFORD CITY, incorporated in 1857, is the county seat of Blackford County. From 'A History of Blackford County" we learn we have two possibilities as to the origin of the name. Eli Rigdon, one of the commissioners, who was responsible for staking out the site, was born in Harford County, Maryland, and by simply inserting a "t " named the village after his birthplace. The other possibility concerns a farmer by the name of Hart who lived west of the newly formed town. A stream ran through his farm that was either called "Ford" creek, or perhaps people would "ford" or wade across the stream at Mr. Hart's property, hence, Hart's ford or Hartford. These stories are only heresay, and cannot be authenticated. It has been established that we are the only Hartford City in the entire country, and we proudly display our logo -
As in the case of most Midwest communities, the town was formed around a Courthouse Square and this Square exists today with the courthouse and the seat of County Government located here. The business district developed around the courthouse and continues to be the location for most of the goods and services required by the population. The early growth of the area was due in part to the discovery of natural gas and oil. As a result of this bountiful resource, the community attracted a number of glass manufacturers.
The biggest gas well in Hartford City was located at the comer of South High and Leonard Streets. Since gas was in such great Supply, 11 glass companies located in Hartford City. The first was the Hartford City Class Company which was located in the south part of town. Later this company became the American Window Glass Company and remained a major industry until 1929 when it closed. The Sneath Glass Company located here in 1884, and the Johnston Glass Company was organized in 1900. The Hartford Paper Company was located here in 1892. It was the largest institution of its kind in the state and manufactured both news and manila paper. The company was purchased by 3M Company in 1955.
Since 1930 the population of the area has grown at a moderate rate with a good balance in agriculture and industrial production. The terrain is generally flat with the elevation at the center of the city being 920 feet above sea level. The population of Hartford City is 7000.
The area enjoys a moderate climate with four well defined seasons. The hottest month is July with an average temperature of 70 degrees; the coldest is January with an average temperature of 30 degrees. Rainfall averages 40 inches annually and snowfall about 20 inches. Prevailing winds, usually of light to moderate intensity, are from the southwest in the summer and the north west in the winter
This page was last updated August 24, 1997