A disastrous explosion and fire struck Hartford in March 1854, killing twenty-one people and injuring scores more. The fire pointed out starkly the inadequacy of the city's medical facilities and citizens were stung to apply to the state of Connecticut for a charter for a modern hospital. This was granted in May, 1854 and land purchased the following year. The hospital opened its doors on August 1, 1860 and operates today. (By John Osborne)
Source Citation
"Connecticut," in Thomas S. Baines (ed.), The Encyclopaedia Britannica: a dictionary of arts, sciences and general literature, Volume 6 (New York: The Henry G. Allen Company, 1890), 276.