Downtown in Hartford in Capitol Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Bushnell Park
Park History
Reverend Horace Bushnell believed Prosperity was Our Duty and that civic improvement was critical to a prosperous Hartford. As a result of economic decline in the 1840s, Bushnell recognized Hartford's long want of "spacious ornamental ground" and the opportunity for civic improvement.
After months of planning, Bushnell presented his proposal for the park on October 5, 1853 to Hartford's Court of Common Council. The Council passed a resolution for the park on December 22, 1853 and a public vote was soon scheduled. Approved by public ballot on January 5, 1854, Bushnell Park was established as America's first public park.
After many design efforts over six years, landscape architect Jacob Weidenmann was hired in 1860 to finalize the park's design. Originally called City Park, on February 14, 1876, the park was renamed by the City Council to Bushnell Park - just three days before Bushnell's death.
Erected by Hartford Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is January 5, 1854.
Location. 41° 46.034′ N, 72° 40.873′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Connecticut River Valley and in the Knowledge Corridor. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Hartford County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Park History (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Park History (within shouting distance of this marker); Corning Fountain (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Park History (about 400 feet away); Votes for Women (about 600 feet away); Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch (about 700 feet away); Israel Putnam (about 800 feet
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. An marker with identical historical information stands elsewhere in the park.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 251 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 9, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
