Downtown in Hartford in Hartford County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Bushnell Park
Park History
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, August 4, 2023
1. Bushnell Park Marker
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.
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° 45.868′ N, 72° 40.593′ W. Marker is in Hartford, Connecticut, in Hartford County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of Jewell Street
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Park History (a few steps from this marker); Horace Wells (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Horace Wells (about 300 feet away); The Pump House (about 400 feet away); First Company Governor's Foot Guard (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Park History (about 500 feet away); Capt. Pownal Deming (about 500 feet away); George Wyllys (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hartford.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. A marker with identical information stands elsewhere in the park.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, August 4, 2023
2. Bushnell Park Marker
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, August 4, 2023
3. Bushnell Park Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 58 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 10, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
