History of the Town of Tolland
The Town of Tolland is a historical district in the Tolland County, Connecticut. It is spread over 41 square miles, neighboring Hartford, CT. The town began to settle since before 1715, and now has a population of 15,295 people (as of 2008), which is expected to grow to 16,632 in 2013.
Originally, the Town of Tolland was a subsidiary of the nearby Windsor town, which was later tuned into a separate settlement due to living constraints that were faced by the people at Windsor in relation to growing families. In search of bigger homes, these families began to move eastwards towards the lands of the Natives, which they bought from them.
On April 18, 1713, a board was formed under which the town had its first settlement plan made, and the General Assembly was made to build it. In 1715, the Town of Tolland got its Charter and was named after a town in Somerset, England. Later, in 1722, it became the 49th town of Connecticut.
In 1785, when Tolland County was formed by the orders of the legislature, the Town of Tolland was designated as its seat. The primary courthouse and jail were built by town?s contribution, which later proved insufficient. Three subsequent replacements were also made, but they did not help much. The current jail with stone structure was completed in 1856. It continued to be used as the county prison until 1965, when finally the state ceased its purpose. In 1893, the Tolland Historical Society was given the lease of this jail, as well as the jailer?s home in 1893. These are now a museum, which is a popular visitor?s attraction in Tolland.
In 1822, the town green was added with a newly replaced courthouse, which is considered among the works of early civic structural design of Connecticut.
Due to its historical significance, the Tolland Green Historic District was registered in the National Register in 1997. The District continues to attract people and tourists because of its several important buildings that were added with contemporary facilities, without altering its older community feel.
The Hicks Municipal Building is yet another important feature of the Town of Tolland that was previously the Ratcliffe Hicks Memorial School until 1908. The current Tolland Board of Education building was previously used as the Tolland County Bank, and was constructed in 1830. The 1879-built Town Hall is an important public building in Tolland that is now converted into an Arts Center.
Previously, the administration of the Town of Tolland was with the Town Meeting that continued to function till November 1973. Now, the Town Council has the legislative powers under the Charter revisions.
