West Hartford in Capitol Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

Goodman Green

Photographed by Michael Herrick, February 1, 2012

1. Goodman Green Marker

Inscription.

In 1747 this oblong of land was given by Timothy Goodman to the West Hartford Parish of the Congregational Church for use as a parade ground of the local militia company. Still owned by the parish, it is maintained by the town. For nearly two hundred and fifty years it has been the heart of West Hartford, and formerly was surrounded by buildings that sustained the life of an old New England town: the meeting house, town hall, parsonage, academy, district school, general store, post office, and tavern. Its flagpole and descendant of the Charter Oak are symbols of patriotism and political freedom. The green has been the site of many and varied communal ceremonies and celebrations. Here, on May 3, 1854, a throng of citizens rejoiced at the good news that General Assembly of Connecticut had passed an act to incorporate West Hartford as a town.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1836.

Location. 41° 45.694′ N, 72° 44.518′ W. Marker is in West Hartford in Capitol Region, Connecticut. It is at the intersection of South Main Street and Farmington Avenue, on the left when traveling north on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Hartford CT 06107, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Connecticut River Valley,

in Greater Hartford,

and in the Knowledge Corridor.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

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

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lamuel Haynes Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Reverends of First Church West Hartford (within shouting distance of this marker); Meeting House Corner (within shouting distance of this marker); Connecticut Veterans Memorial West Hartford (within shouting distance of this marker); West Hartford (within shouting distance of this marker); SS Maiden Creek (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); "A Journey toward Freedom & Excellence" (about 400 feet away); First Public Library Building in West Hartford (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Hartford.

Also see . . . West Hartford’s Town Green Renamed in Spirit of Unity.

West Hartford’s town green no longer memorializes a slaveholder.

The name of West Hartford’s town green – that narrow triangle of land that splits the northbound and southbound lanes of South Main Street just south of Farmington Avenue and is the longtime site of banners and public gatherings – had existed for more than 250 years. But Goodman Green was a name from days of yore, one that few have given much thought to, something that’s just a part of the town’s history.

(Submitted on January 24, 2026.)

Photographed by Michael Herrick, February 1, 2012

2. Goodman Green Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2012, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 1,085 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 3, 2012, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.