Hartford

Hartford was founded in 1843 by two surveyors, John Thiel and Nicolas Simon, during a prospecting expedition to Washington County. Thiel and Simon were so impressed with the beauty of the area with its rolling hills and the powerful water rapids of the clear Rubicon River that they decided to make it their home. Simon returned to Waukesha and began telling friends of the hills and the pure water with all its beauty and possibilities. James and Charles Rossman accompanied Simon back to Hartford. They immediately bought forty acres around the rapids and started construction of the dam around 1844. The dam remains here today. The Rossman’s Saw Mill is credited for the steady growth of the Hartford area. 

Hartford has maintained its small town appeal despite its rapid growth. While Hartford’s historic downtown and the Chandelier Ballroom remind us of the past it’s the Schauer Arts & Activates Center, Hartford Recreation Center and Hartford Auto Museum (Hartford was the home of the Kissel Car Company) that exhibit the community’s strong growth. 

Hartford Union School ranks in the top 25 for 2007-2008 Southeastern Wisconsin School District Rankings. Something the community takes great pride in. There are also many public as well as private universities in Southeastern Wisconsin to continue our children’s education. 

Hartford has so much to offer our residents. With Pike Lake State Park, the Kettle Moraine State Forest and the city’s park system it offers our residents and visitors great opportunities to enjoy spending time outdoors. Summers afford people from all over great bird watching, farmers market, concerts at the down town band shell, camping, boating, fishing and excellent hiking trails. It is also a favorite destination for motorcycle riders as the Kettle Moraine area offers its beautiful winding rolling country roadways. And in August Hartford holds its annual Hot Air Balloon Rally at the local air port. Winters bring snowmobiling, skiing and all kinds of winter activities. Hartford is also home of Wisconsin’s largest bar and restaurant The Mineshaft and the tannery at WB Place. 

Hartford is not only a great place to visit but an outstanding place to live and raise a family.