Bristol, Connecticut
Encyclopedia
Bristol is a suburban city located in Hartford County, Connecticut
, United States
20 miles (32.2 km) southwest of Hartford
. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 61,353. Bristol is primarily known as the home of ESPN
, whose central studios are in the city. Bristol is also home to Lake Coumpounce, America's oldest still functioning theme park. Bristol was also known as a clock-making city in the 19th century, and is home to the American Clock and Watch Museum
. Bristol's nicknames include the Bell City, because of a history manufacturing innovative spring-driven doorbells, and the Mum City because it was once a leader in chrysanthemum
production and still holds an annual Bristol Mum Festival. In 2010, Bristol was ranked 84th on Money Magazine's "Best Places to Live".
, the city has a total area of 26.8 square miles (69.5 km²). The city contains several distinct sections including Chippen Hill in the northwestern quarter of Bristol, Edgewood in the northeastern quarter, and Forestville, in the southeastern quarter. The majority of Bristol is residential, though since 2008 there has been a push for commercial development in the city. The Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency is the metropolitan planning organization
for Bristol, New Britain, and surrounding towns.
As of the census of 2000
, there are 60,062 people, 24,886 households, and 16,175 families residing in the city. The population density is 2,265.8 inhabitants per square mile (874.8/km²). There are 26,125 housing units at an average density of 985.6 per square mile (380.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city is 86.33% White, 2.68% African American, 5.27% Hispanic, 0.22% Native American, 1.47% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.40% from other races, and 1.60% from two or more races.
There are 24,886 households in Bristol of which 29.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.6% are married couples living together, 11.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 35.0% are non-families. 28.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.7% have a sole resident who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.38 and the average family size is 2.94.
Bristol possesses substantial age diversity with 23.2% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $47,422, and the median income for a family is $58,259. Males have a median income of $40,483 versus $30,584 for females. The per capita income for the city is $23,362. 6.6% of the population and 4.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 8.7% of those under the age of 18 and 5.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
), and two high schools. In addition to these public schools, there are also a number of private Catholic schools available. These add an additional four kindergarten through grade 8 schools and one additional high school.
A recent press release shows good scores on the Connecticut Academic Performance Test
, a standardized Connecticut
test which students take in tenth grade. The report states that more than 87% of Bristol students scored at or above the proficient level in each of the content areas assessed.
Recently, it has been proposed that the educational system of the city be redesigned. Because some of the schools are in historic buildings, new schools are being sought by the city. In addition, it has been proposed that the entire education system of the city be redesigned, eliminating the middle school category. In other words, all schools would be kindergarten through eighth grade or high school. The Bristol Board of Education's appeals for support for this project have been met with mixed emotions.
is a full service fire department with 5 engine companies (or stations) and one tower company. The Bristol Board of Fire Commissioners consists of five members appointed by the Mayor who establish the primary policies of the fire department.
In 2008, the Bristol Blight Committee was disbanded in order to make way for a new committee; the Bristol Code Enforcement Committee. This new committee has even greater powers and can now deal with both appearances and structural integrity issues of buildings in Bristol. The purpose of the committee is to streamline the process of enforcing the issues the former Blight Committee was tasked with. The law requires all structures to be free of "abandoned vehicles, nuisances, refuse, pollution and filth ... broken glass, loose shingles, holes, cracked or damaged siding, crumbling brick and other conditions 'reflective of deterioration or inadequate maintenance.'"
The Blight Committee and Code Enforcement Committee continue to be hotly debated topics within Bristol.
's apple festival, all of which are held around September.
(mum) was also added to the festival's name. Prior to 1986 the nurseries in Bristol would produce over 80,000 mum plants.
, the oldest continuously operated amusement park in North America and to the New England Carousel Museum, the American Clock and Watch Museum
, the Imagine Nation Children's Museum, Bristol Military Memorial Museum, Bristol Historical Society Museum
and the Witch's Dungeon Classic Movie Museum
. The Harry Barnes Memorial Nature Center comprises 70 acres (283,280.2 m²) of forest and fields, with nature trails and an interpretive center.
is a diversified international manufacturer of precision metal components and assemblies and a distributor of industrial supplies, serving a wide range of markets and customers. Barnes Group consists of three businesses with 2005 sales of $1.1 billion.http://www.asbg.com
houses its broadcast studios in Bristol, CT on Middle Street. ESPN is the largest taxpayer to the City of Bristol.
ESPN's former parent, Capital Cities Communications
, once owned the local ABC
affiliate WTNH
, but sold it after acquiring ABC (which owned ESPN), and later merged with the Walt Disney Company
.
, Otis Elevator possesses the largest elevator test tower in the United States in Bristol. Located near ESPN and Lake Compounce, the 383 feet (116.7 m)-high tower is easily visible from the surrounding roads.
has a long history, part of which has roots in Bristol. As early as 1865, CIGNA can trace the roots of its corporation to the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. As the company grew, an office was eventually opened in Bristol. Presently, CIGNA, among other insurance companies, provides many jobs for residents of the area.
Hartford County, Connecticut
Hartford County is a county located in the north central part of the US state of Connecticut. The 2010 Census records show that the county population is at 894,014 making it the second most populated county in Connecticut....
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
20 miles (32.2 km) southwest of Hartford
Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford is the capital of the U.S. state of Connecticut. The seat of Hartford County until Connecticut disbanded county government in 1960, it is the second most populous city on New England's largest river, the Connecticut River. As of the 2010 Census, Hartford's population was 124,775, making...
. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 61,353. Bristol is primarily known as the home of ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
, whose central studios are in the city. Bristol is also home to Lake Coumpounce, America's oldest still functioning theme park. Bristol was also known as a clock-making city in the 19th century, and is home to the American Clock and Watch Museum
American Clock and Watch Museum
The American Clock & Watch Museum , located in Bristol, Connecticut, is one of a very few museums in the United States dedicated solely to horology, which is the history, science and art of timekeeping and timekeepers...
. Bristol's nicknames include the Bell City, because of a history manufacturing innovative spring-driven doorbells, and the Mum City because it was once a leader in chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums, often called mums or chrysanths, are of the genus constituting approximately 30 species of perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae which is native to Asia and northeastern Europe.-Etymology:...
production and still holds an annual Bristol Mum Festival. In 2010, Bristol was ranked 84th on Money Magazine's "Best Places to Live".
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 26.8 square miles (69.5 km²). The city contains several distinct sections including Chippen Hill in the northwestern quarter of Bristol, Edgewood in the northeastern quarter, and Forestville, in the southeastern quarter. The majority of Bristol is residential, though since 2008 there has been a push for commercial development in the city. The Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency is the metropolitan planning organization
Metropolitan planning organization
A metropolitan planning organization is a federally-mandated and federally-funded transportation policy-making organization in the United States that is made up of representatives from local government and governmental transportation authorities...
for Bristol, New Britain, and surrounding towns.
Forestville
Forestville was Native American hunting grounds until the 19th century. There are many suburban neighborhoods and local businesses within the Forestville area. The official boundaries of Forestville are the Plainville town line, the Southington town line, Middle street, west of properties on the west side of King street (including Burnside Drive and properties thereof), south of properties on the south side of Louisiana avenue, west of properties on the west side of Brook street north of Louisiana avenue and up to Farmington avenue. Within the Forestville area, there are two subsections known as East Bristol and the Stafford District. Those subsections are similar to Plantsville, Connecticut's Marion and Milldale.Demographics
| Historical population of Bristol |
|
| 1800 | 2,722 |
| 1810 | 1,428 |
| 1820 | 1,362 |
| 1830 | 1,707 |
| 1840 | 2,109 |
| 1850 | 2,884 |
| 1860 | 3,436 |
| 1870 | 3,788 |
| 1880 | 5,347 |
| 1890 | 7,382 |
| 1900 | 9,643 |
| 1910 | 13,502 |
| 1920 | 20,620 |
| 1930 | 28,451 |
| 1940 | 30,167 |
| 1950 | 35,961 |
| 1960 | 45,499 |
| 1970 | 55,487 |
| 1980 | 57,370 |
| 1990 | 60,640 |
| 2000 | 60,062 |
| 2002 | 60,541 (estimate) |
As of the census of 2000
United States Census, 2000
The Twenty-second United States Census, known as Census 2000 and conducted by the Census Bureau, determined the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2000, to be 281,421,906, an increase of 13.2% over the 248,709,873 persons enumerated during the 1990 Census...
, there are 60,062 people, 24,886 households, and 16,175 families residing in the city. The population density is 2,265.8 inhabitants per square mile (874.8/km²). There are 26,125 housing units at an average density of 985.6 per square mile (380.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city is 86.33% White, 2.68% African American, 5.27% Hispanic, 0.22% Native American, 1.47% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.40% from other races, and 1.60% from two or more races.
There are 24,886 households in Bristol of which 29.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.6% are married couples living together, 11.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 35.0% are non-families. 28.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.7% have a sole resident who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.38 and the average family size is 2.94.
Bristol possesses substantial age diversity with 23.2% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $47,422, and the median income for a family is $58,259. Males have a median income of $40,483 versus $30,584 for females. The per capita income for the city is $23,362. 6.6% of the population and 4.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 8.7% of those under the age of 18 and 5.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
| Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of October 25, 2005 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Active Voters | Inactive Voters | Total Voters | Percentage |
Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
12,480 | 381 | 12,861 | 38.64% |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
5,531 | 206 | 5,737 | 17.24% |
Unaffiliated | 13,954 | 729 | 14,683 | 44.11% |
Minor Parties | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0.01% | |
| Total | 31,969 | 1,316 | 33,285 | 100% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Education
Education in Bristol, CT is conducted using ten elementary schools (grades kindergarten through five), three middle schools (grades six, seven and eight), and two high schools. In addition to these public schools, there are also a number of private Catholic schools available. These add an additional four kindergarten through grade 8 schools and one additional high school.
A recent press release shows good scores on the Connecticut Academic Performance Test
Connecticut Academic Performance Test
The Connecticut Academic Performance Test, or simply the CAPT, is a state-mandated standardized test administered by the Connecticut State Board of Education that all public school students in Connecticut must take. Students in some districts must pass to graduate high school...
, a standardized Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
test which students take in tenth grade. The report states that more than 87% of Bristol students scored at or above the proficient level in each of the content areas assessed.
| Elementary Schools | Middle Schools | K-Through-8 Schools | High Schools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bingham School | Chippens Hill Middle School | St. Anthony's School http://www.stanthonyschoolbristolct.com/ | Bristol Central High School Bristol Central High School Bristol Central High School is a public high school in Bristol, Connecticut, United States. Its mascot is the Ram, and its colors are maroon and white. The school is also known for its performing arts group, Footlights, as well as for its athletics... |
| Edgewood School | Memorial Boulevard Middle School | St. Matthew's School http://www.stmatthewrcc.com/ | Bristol Eastern High School Bristol Eastern High School Bristol Eastern High School is a public high school in Bristol, Connecticut, USA which was opened in 1959. It has an enrollment of 1,354 students in grades 9-12. The main head of the school, as of 2010, is Dr. Steve Wysowski... |
| Greene-Hills School | Northeast Middle School | St. Joseph's School http://www.school.stjosephbristol.org/ | St. Paul Catholic High Schoolhttp://www.spchs.com/ |
| Hubbell School | Immanuel Lutheran School http://www.ilcs.org/ | ||
| Ivy Drive School | |||
| Jennings School | |||
| Mountain View School | |||
| O'Connell School | |||
| South Side School | |||
| Stafford School |
Recently, it has been proposed that the educational system of the city be redesigned. Because some of the schools are in historic buildings, new schools are being sought by the city. In addition, it has been proposed that the entire education system of the city be redesigned, eliminating the middle school category. In other words, all schools would be kindergarten through eighth grade or high school. The Bristol Board of Education's appeals for support for this project have been met with mixed emotions.
EMS
Bristol's emergency medical services program has been provided by Bristol Hospital since 1977. It was designed to assume the responsibility previously carried by the Bristol Police Department. The Bristol Hospital's EMS are carried out using 6 emergency ambulances, 2 paramedic intercept vehicles and 4 wheelchair vans.Fire department
The Bristol, Connecticut Fire DepartmentBristol, Connecticut Fire Department
The Bristol, Connecticut Fire Department is a full service fire department with one Tower company and five engine companies serving the City of Bristol, Hartford County, Connecticut...
is a full service fire department with 5 engine companies (or stations) and one tower company. The Bristol Board of Fire Commissioners consists of five members appointed by the Mayor who establish the primary policies of the fire department.
Police department
The Bristol, Connecticut Police Department is a full service police department with approximately 125 sworn officers. In addition to a vehicular patrol division, downtown Bristol is also policed by a bicycle division and walking beat officers. During any shift, there may be as many as 20 officers on duty, not including detectives and officers from other divisions.Downtown
In recent years, Bristol has begun a renovation of the downtown area. This has included a complete overhaul of a park in the center of the city. In addition, an outdated and underused mall from the 1970s was recently demolished. Also, North Main Street, one of the busiest sections of downtown, was recently improved by adding islands in the road, elegant street lighting and a brick median when the road was repaved.Blight Committee
In the 1990s, the Blight Committee was formed to enforce appearance laws, and even demolish properties which it deems are unsightly and unkempt. This committee is tasked with ensuring that properties are not abandoned and that all properties are reasonably maintained.In 2008, the Bristol Blight Committee was disbanded in order to make way for a new committee; the Bristol Code Enforcement Committee. This new committee has even greater powers and can now deal with both appearances and structural integrity issues of buildings in Bristol. The purpose of the committee is to streamline the process of enforcing the issues the former Blight Committee was tasked with. The law requires all structures to be free of "abandoned vehicles, nuisances, refuse, pollution and filth ... broken glass, loose shingles, holes, cracked or damaged siding, crumbling brick and other conditions 'reflective of deterioration or inadequate maintenance.'"
The Blight Committee and Code Enforcement Committee continue to be hotly debated topics within Bristol.
Attractions
In addition to the "Mum Festival", Bristol holds an annual street festival with a car show and a family farms weekend at Minors Farm, Shepherd Meadows and Roberts Orchard, similar to that of SouthingtonSouthington, Connecticut
Southington is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. It is part of Connecticut's 1st congressional district. It is situated about 20 miles southwest of Hartford, about 80 miles northeast of New York City, 105 miles southwest of Boston and 77 miles west of Providence...
's apple festival, all of which are held around September.
Mum Festival and Parade
The first Bristol Mum Festival began on July 7, 1962 and included a parade. The members of the Chamber of Commerce and City of Bristol officials met and completed a list of activities to take place over six days. They wanted to focus on the positive things that were occurring in Bristol. When the festival opened it was originally known as the Fall Festival. In 1963 the ChrysanthemumChrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums, often called mums or chrysanths, are of the genus constituting approximately 30 species of perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae which is native to Asia and northeastern Europe.-Etymology:...
(mum) was also added to the festival's name. Prior to 1986 the nurseries in Bristol would produce over 80,000 mum plants.
Other attractions
Bristol has many parks as well: Peck, Page, Rockwell, Bracket, Barnes Nature Center, Indian Rock, Forestville memorial and many more (22 in total). The city is also home to Lake CompounceLake Compounce
Lake Compounce is an amusement park located in Bristol, Connecticut, United States and a part of the neighboring town of Southington, Connecticut; the lake itself lies completely in Southington. It is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America, having operated every year...
, the oldest continuously operated amusement park in North America and to the New England Carousel Museum, the American Clock and Watch Museum
American Clock and Watch Museum
The American Clock & Watch Museum , located in Bristol, Connecticut, is one of a very few museums in the United States dedicated solely to horology, which is the history, science and art of timekeeping and timekeepers...
, the Imagine Nation Children's Museum, Bristol Military Memorial Museum, Bristol Historical Society Museum
Bristol Historical Society Museum
The Bristol Historical Society Museum, located in Bristol, Connecticut, is a museum dedicated to the promotion of interest in Bristol history and encouraging an appreciation for its importance...
and the Witch's Dungeon Classic Movie Museum
Witch's Dungeon Classic Movie Museum
The Witch's Dungeon Classic Movie Museum in Bristol, Connecticut is a collection of figures of classic movie monsters.The museum is owned by Bristol-native Cortlandt Hull. In 1966, Cortlandt's father helped him build the Swiss chalet-style building to house the museum...
. The Harry Barnes Memorial Nature Center comprises 70 acres (283,280.2 m²) of forest and fields, with nature trails and an interpretive center.
Sports
- Bristol hosts the Little LeagueLittle LeagueLittle League Baseball and Softball is a non-profit organization in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, United States which organizes local youth baseball and softball leagues throughout the U.S...
New England and Mid-Atlantic Regional playoffs every August at The A. Bartlett Giamatti Little League Center.
Media
The name of the local daily newspaper is the Bristol Press, and town news is also featured in a small weekly called the Bristol Observer. It is also home to The Tattoo teen newspaper, one of the first on-line newspapers.Notable companies
The companies below are some of the most notable in Bristol, CT. These, in addition to Bristol Hospital, are the largest private employers in the area.Associated Spring
Founded in 1857, and headquartered in Bristol, Connecticut, U.S.A., Barnes GroupBarnes Group
Barnes Group is a manufacturer of industrial and aerospace components. The company produces springs for airframes, electronics, machinery, stamping presses and turbine engines in addition to providing repair and logistics support primarily on spare parts for the aerospace industry....
is a diversified international manufacturer of precision metal components and assemblies and a distributor of industrial supplies, serving a wide range of markets and customers. Barnes Group consists of three businesses with 2005 sales of $1.1 billion.http://www.asbg.com
ESPN
ESPNESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
houses its broadcast studios in Bristol, CT on Middle Street. ESPN is the largest taxpayer to the City of Bristol.
ESPN's former parent, Capital Cities Communications
Capital Cities Communications
Capital Cities redirects here. For the article about the seat of a government, see Capital .Capital Cities Communications was an American media company best known for its surprise purchase of the much larger American Broadcasting Company in 1985...
, once owned the local ABC
American Broadcasting Company
The American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948...
affiliate WTNH
WTNH
WTNH is the ABC-affiliated television station for the state of Connecticut that is licensed to New Haven. It broadcasts a high definition digital signal on VHF channel 10 from a transmitter in Hamden. Owned by the LIN TV Corporation, the station is sister to MyNetworkTV affiliate WCTX and the two...
, but sold it after acquiring ABC (which owned ESPN), and later merged with the Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company is the largest media conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. Founded on October 16, 1923, by Walt and Roy Disney as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, Walt Disney Productions established itself as a leader in the American animation industry before diversifying into...
.
Otis Elevator company
Though its beginnings were in Yonkers, New YorkYonkers, New York
Yonkers is the fourth most populous city in the state of New York , and the most populous city in Westchester County, with a population of 195,976...
, Otis Elevator possesses the largest elevator test tower in the United States in Bristol. Located near ESPN and Lake Compounce, the 383 feet (116.7 m)-high tower is easily visible from the surrounding roads.
CIGNA Insurance
CIGNA InsuranceCIGNA
Cigna , headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut, is a global health services company, owing to its expanding international footprint and the fact that it provides administrative services only to approximately 80 percent of its clients...
has a long history, part of which has roots in Bristol. As early as 1865, CIGNA can trace the roots of its corporation to the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. As the company grew, an office was eventually opened in Bristol. Presently, CIGNA, among other insurance companies, provides many jobs for residents of the area.
Top employers
According to Bristol's 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city were:| # | Employer | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ESPN ESPN Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming.... |
3,400 |
| 2 | Bristol Hospital | 1,750 |
| 3 | City of Bristol & Board of Education | 1,656 |
| 4 | Stephen AutoMall Centre | 200 |
| 5 | IDEX IDEX Corporation IDEX Corporation , based in Lake Forest, Illinois, is a publicly traded company engaged in the development, design, and manufacture of fluidics systems and specialty engineered products... Health & Science |
200 |
| 6 | Sheriden Woods Health Care Center | 180 |
| 7 | Quality Coils | 170 |
| 8 | Stop & Shop Stop & Shop The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company is a chain of supermarkets located mostly in the northeastern United States. Its main rivals are Shaw's Star Market and Hannaford in New England, while ShopRite and the A&P family of supermarkets are its main competition in New York and New Jersey.- History :Stop... |
150 |
| 9 | Rowley Spring and Stamping | 150 |
| 10 | The Pines at Bristol | 140 |
Notable people
- Amos Bronson AlcottAmos Bronson AlcottAmos Bronson Alcott was an American teacher, writer, philosopher, and reformer. As an educator, Alcott pioneered new ways of interacting with young students, focusing on a conversational style, and avoided traditional punishment. He hoped to perfect the human spirit and, to that end, advocated a...
, the father of Louisa May AlcottLouisa May AlcottLouisa May Alcott was an American novelist. She is best known for the novel Little Women and its sequels Little Men and Jo's Boys. Little Women was set in the Alcott family home, Orchard House in Concord, Massachusetts, and published in 1868...
, taught school in Bristol on two different occasions: in 1823 and, after teaching in Cheshire for a time, again in Bristol from 1827-1828. Alcott later moved to Concord, MassachusettsConcord, MassachusettsConcord is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the town population was 17,668. Although a small town, Concord is noted for its leading roles in American history and literature.-History:...
where he became acquainted with many prominent TranscendentalistsTranscendentalismTranscendentalism is a philosophical movement that developed in the 1830s and 1840s in the New England region of the United States as a protest against the general state of culture and society, and in particular, the state of intellectualism at Harvard University and the doctrine of the Unitarian...
and literary figures. - Gary Burghoff, a native of Bristol (born 1943) is the actor who played the character CorporalCorporalCorporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
Walter "Radar" O'Reilly in both the filmFilmA film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
and televisionTelevisionTelevision is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
series M*A*S*H. - Bob CraneBob CraneRobert Edward "Bob" Crane was an American actor and disc jockey, best known for his performance as Colonel Robert E...
(1928–1978), the actor who played the title role in the televisionTelevisionTelevision is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
series Hogan's HeroesHogan's HeroesHogan's Heroes is an American television sitcom that ran for 168 episodes from September 17, 1965, to March 28, 1971, on the CBS network. The show was set in a German prisoner of war camp during the Second World War. Bob Crane had the starring role as Colonel Robert E...
, worked for WBIS radio station in Bristol early in his career. - Frank FilipettiFrank FilipettiFrank Filipetti is a music producer, engineer and mixer who was born in Bristol, Connecticut. He was one of the first engineers to embrace digital...
, music producer, was born in Bristol. - Aaron HernandezAaron Hernandez-New England Patriots:Hernandez was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Shortly after he was drafted, The Boston Globe reported Hernandez had admitted to marijuana use and had failed multiple drug tests while in college, causing his draft stock to drop...
, tight end for The New England Patriots is a Bristol native and attended Bristol Central High SchoolBristol Central High SchoolBristol Central High School is a public high school in Bristol, Connecticut, United States. Its mascot is the Ram, and its colors are maroon and white. The school is also known for its performing arts group, Footlights, as well as for its athletics...
. - Gordon J. HumphreyGordon J. HumphreyGordon John Humphrey is a New Hampshire politician who served two terms in the Senate as a Republican from 1979 to 1990, and twice ran for Governor of New Hampshire, though both bids were unsuccessful.-Early life:...
(1940-), United States Senator from New Hampshire (1979–1991) was born in Bristol. - Cliff JohnsonCliff Johnson (game designer)Cliff Johnson is an American game designer, best known for the early computer puzzle games The Fool's Errand and 3 in Three . Both games were notable for unique visual puzzles and a metapuzzle structure.- Biography :...
, author of The Fool's ErrandThe Fool's ErrandThe Fool's Errand is a 1987 computer game by Cliff Johnson. It is a meta-puzzle game with storytelling, visual puzzles and a cryptic treasure map...
, was born in Bristol. - Karen JosephsonKaren JosephsonKaren Josephson is an American competitor in synchronized swimming and Olympic champion.She won gold medal in Duet with Sarah Josephson at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, and received a silver medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.- References :*...
(1964-) and Sarah JosephsonSarah JosephsonSarah Gay Josephson is an American competitor in synchronized swimming and Olympic champion.She won gold medal in Duet with her twin sister Karen Josephson at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, and received a silver medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.Josephson now runs a video...
(1964-), twin sisters who won the silver medal in synchronized swimmingSynchronized swimmingSynchronized swImming is a hybrid form of swimming, dance and gymnastics, consisting of swimmers performing a synchronized routine of elaborate moves in the water, accompanied by music....
at the 1988 Summer Olympics1988 Summer OlympicsThe 1988 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIV Olympiad, were an all international multi-sport events celebrated from September 17 to October 2, 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. They were the second summer Olympic Games to be held in Asia and the first since the 1964 Summer Olympics...
in SeoulSeoulSeoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
, South KoreaSouth KoreaThe Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
and the gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics1992 Summer OlympicsThe 1992 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXV Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event celebrated in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, in 1992. The International Olympic Committee voted in 1986 to separate the Summer and Winter Games, which had been held in the same...
in BarcelonaBarcelonaBarcelona is the second largest city in Spain after Madrid, and the capital of Catalonia, with a population of 1,621,537 within its administrative limits on a land area of...
, SpainSpainSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, were born in Bristol. - Mike ReissMike ReissMichael "Mike" Reiss is an American television comedy writer. He served as a show-runner, writer and producer for the animated series The Simpsons and co-created the animated series The Critic...
(1959-), longtime writer for "The Simpsons," is a Bristol native. - Jim RiceJim RiceJames Edward "Jim" Rice , nicknamed "Jim Ed", is a former Major League Baseball left fielder.Jim Rice played his entire career for the Boston Red Sox from 1974 to 1989...
and Fred LynnFred LynnFredric Michael "Fred" Lynn is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Boston Red Sox , California Angels , Baltimore Orioles , Detroit Tigers and San Diego Padres .Fred Lynn was inducted into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame in and to the College Baseball Hall of Fame...
debuted in their professional baseball careers playing for the Bristol Red Sox at Muzzy FieldMuzzy FieldMuzzy Field is a stadium in Bristol, Connecticut. The ballpark, which is adjacent to the city's Rockwell Park, was built in 1939 and has a capacity of 4,900 people. In 2010 it was the home to the Bristol Collegiate Baseball Club of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. It is also used for...
, a depression-era-built ballpark in Bristol.