Hartford, South Dakota
Hartford is a small suburban city situated in Minnehaha County in the US State of South Dakota. The city offers a small-town feel with access to major city amenities. The residents of Hartford enjoy a minimal suburban vibe, and most of them have their own homes.
Geography And Climate Of Hartford
Hartford covers a total area of 6.88 sq. km, all of which is occupied by land. Hartford is located in the state's eastern region, about 10 minutes drive from Sioux Falls, the major metropolis in the area.
Hartford experiences hot summers and chilly, snowy, windy winters, with occasionally foggy days all year. The average annual temperature ranges from 10°F to 84°F, rarely falling below -11°F or rising above 93°F. Hartford's most comfortable months are August, June, and July, while the least comfortable months are January and December. The year's hottest month is July, having an average daily high temperature exceeding 72°F. Having an average temperature of less than 37°F, January is the year's coldest month. On average, the city receives 27 inches of rain and 39 inches of snow each year.
Brief History Of Hartford
Hartford Township's boundary lines were drawn in its initial survey and subdivision in 1867. When Hartford was settled in 1878, it was given the name Oaksville in honor of explorer I. E. Oaks. The Worthington And Sioux Falls Railroad built a station at Oaksville and extended its line to Salem the following year. Because most of the town's settlers were from Hartford, Connecticut, the town's name was changed to Hartford. Stores, hotels, grain warehouses, and other enterprises sprung up with the establishment of a post office in 1881. The residents of the village of Hartford petitioned the County Commissioners for an election in 1896. After the election, the Town of Hartford was officially incorporated on August 1st, 1896.
The Population And Economy Of Hartford
As per the latest US Census, Hartford has a population of 3,354 residents, making it the 22nd most populous city in the state. The population of Hartford has grown by 4.89% from the most recent census and is now rising at a pace of 2.39% annually. White (Non-Hispanic) (88.3%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (8.73%), White (Hispanic) (2.09%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (0.485%), and Asian (Non-Hispanic) (0.182%) make up Hartford's five largest ethnic groups.
The economy of the City of Hartford has undergone a variety of changes over the years, but it has only become stronger. With a 3.38% poverty rate, Hartford's average household income is $85,263, and the median value of a home is $164,800. Hartford has a workforce of 1920 people. Finance And Insurance (356 employees), Health Care And Social Assistance (298 employees), and Construction (209) are the three largest industries in Hartford. Public Administration ($60,114), Construction ($56,284), and Wholesale Trade ($56,154) are also the city's three highest-paying industries.
Attractions In And Around Hartford
Old Minnehaha County Courthouse
The courthouse, one of Sioux Falls' oldest structures, served as Minnehaha County's administrative center from 1890 to 1962. Wallace L. Dow, a local architect, created the Richardsonian Romanesque structure, which was constructed using locally quarried quartzite, a popular building material in Sioux Falls at that time. Overlooking the main entrance is a large clock tower atop the three-story structure. On May 10, 1973, the Old Minnehaha County Courthouse was included in the National Register of Historic Places.
Butterfly House And Aquarium
One can witness over 800 free-flying butterflies from different parts of the world in a tropical oasis all year long. The only public saltwater aquarium in South Dakota also features coral reefs, marine fish, and other intriguing aquatic species.
