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New Britain Historic Walking Trail: A Stroll Through Time

Explore New Britain's past and present on a self-guided tour through historic landmarks and architectural treasures.

Discover New Britain's rich history and architectural beauty on this self-guided walking trail. Explore landmarks showcasing the city's evolution from an industrial hub to a vibrant cultural center, with diverse architectural styles and informative plaques detailing each site's significance.

A brief summary to New Britain Historic Walking Trail

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the trail involves walking on city streets and sidewalks.
  • Bring a camera to capture the diverse architectural styles and historical landmarks along the way.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go and dress accordingly.
  • Download the walking trails brochure for an interactive map and unique photo slideshows for each stop on the trail.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The New Britain Historic Walking Trail is easily accessible on foot from most downtown locations. From the New Britain Transportation Center, head south on Main Street for about 0.5 miles until you reach Franklin Square. The trail begins at 95 Franklin Square.

  • Public Transport

    CT Transit provides bus service to New Britain. Take any bus that stops at the New Britain Transportation Center. From there, transfer to bus route 4 or 5, which will take you directly to Franklin Square. Get off at the Franklin Square stop, and the New Britain Historic Walking Trail will be right in front of you at 95 Franklin Square. A single fare for CT Transit is $1.75 [https://www.cttransit.com/fares].

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 95 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051. Metered street parking is available on Main Street and Chestnut Street. Garage parking is available at 14 Franklin Square. Blogoslawski Garage offers hourly parking and is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays. Metered street parking costs vary, typically around $1.00 - $1.50 per hour. Garage parking rates are approximately $2.00 per hour.

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Discover more about New Britain Historic Walking Trail

The New Britain Historic Walking Trail offers a captivating journey through time, inviting visitors to explore the city's rich history and architectural gems. This self-guided trail winds through the heart of New Britain, showcasing landmarks that narrate the city's transformation from a bustling industrial center, once known as the “Hardware Capital of the World” , to a vibrant cultural hub. As you stroll along the trail, you'll encounter a diverse array of architectural styles, including Victorian, Colonial, and Art Deco, each with its own story to tell. Informative plaques provide insights into the historical significance of each site, offering context and depth to your exploration. The trail begins in Franklin Square, a historically significant area in New Britain. The walking trail is near various shops, cafes and restaurants. New Britain has been known as the Hardware City because of its history as a manufacturing center and headquarters to Stanley Black & Decker. The city was settled in 1687 and incorporated as a new parish under the name New Britain Society in 1754. New Britain was chartered as a township in 1850 and as a city in 1871.

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