Driving Chart of Hartford and Vicinity 15 Miles Around

Late 19th century road map of the area around Hartford, Connecticut.

As shown in the engraving in the background of the title, this driving chart was not for automobiles. Carl Benz wouldn’t apply for a patent for a “vehicle powered by a gas engine” for another two years. However, taking a leisurely ride has been an enjoyable pastime for much longer than cars have been around, and residents of Hartford would have used this chart in carriages and coaches, and on horseback, bicycle, and even foot.

Routes are marked boldly in red, linking the numerous small towns in the region. Dotted along each road are individual houses and farmsteads, each of which is named after its owner. Buildings of note, including colleges, industrial facilities, post offices, and hotels are also shown.

What is not shown, however, is the poor condition of the roads that forced recreational travel to be a largely seasonal affair. One of the many reasons while railroads (also boldly shown across the page) were the choice of travel for many in the late 19th century.