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{{Short description|City in Connecticut, United States}}
<!-- Infobox starts !-->
{{other uses|Bristol (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox Settlement
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
|official_name = Bristol, Connecticut
{{Infobox settlement
|settlement_type = ]
|nickname = Mum City and Bell City | name = Bristol, Connecticut
| settlement_type = ]
|image_skyline =
|imagesize = | image_skyline = St Joseph Church, Bristol CT.jpg
|image_caption = | image_caption = St Joseph Church, Bristol CT.
|image_flag = | image_flag = BristolCTflag.png
<!-- FAIR USE of Bristol-CT-Seal.jpg: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/Image:Bristol-CT-Seal.jpg for rationale --> <!-- FAIR USE of Bristol-CT-Seal.jpg: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/Image:Bristol-CT-Seal.jpg for rationale -->| image_seal = Bristol-CT-Seal.png
|image_seal = Bristol-CT-Seal.png | nicknames = Mum City, Home of ESPN, Bell City
| image_map = {{switcher|]|&nbsp;] and Connecticut|]|&nbsp;] and Connecticut|default=1}}
|image_map = Bristol_Hartford.png
| image_map1 = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=280|frame-height=200|frame-coord=SWITCH:{{coord|qid=Q755149}}###{{coord|qid=Q779}}###{{coord|41|40|52|N|72|56|26|W}}|zoom=SWITCH:10;6;3|type=SWITCH:shape-inverse;point;point|marker=city|stroke-width=2|stroke-color=#000000|id2=SWITCH:Q755149;Q779;Q30|type2=shape|fill2=#ffffff|fill-opacity2=SWITCH:0;0.1;0.1|stroke-width2=2|stroke-color2=#808080|stroke-opacity2=SWITCH:0;1;1|switch=Bristol;Connecticut;the United States}}
|mapsize = 250px
| coordinates = {{Coord|41|40|52|N|72|56|26|W|region:US-CT_type:city(61,000)|display=inline,title}}
|map_caption = Location in ], ]
| subdivision_type = Country
|established_title = Incorporated (town)
| subdivision_name = {{US}}
|established_date = 1785
| subdivision_type1 = ]
|established_title2 = Incorporated (city)
| subdivision_name1 = {{flag|Connecticut}}
|established_date2 = 1911
| subdivision_type2 = ]
|government_type = ]
| subdivision_name2 = ]
|image_map1 =
| subdivision_type3 = ]
|mapsize1 =
| subdivision_name3 = ]
|map_caption1 =
|subdivision_type = Country | parts_type = Neighborhoods
|subdivision_name = United States | parts = {{Plainlist|
* Cedar Lake
|subdivision_type1 = ]
* Chippens Hill
|subdivision_name1 = ]
* East Bristol
|subdivision_type2 = ]
* Edgewood
|subdivision_name2 = Hartford
* Federal Hill
|subdivision_type3 = Region
* Forestville Village
|subdivision_name3 = Central Connecticut
* Maple End
|leader_title = ]
* Northeast Bristol
|leader_name = Arthur J. Ward
* Rustic Terrace
|area_magnitude = 1 E8
* West End
|area_total_km2 = 69.4
}}
|area_land_km2 = 68.7
| established_title = Incorporated (town)
|area_water_km2 = 0.9
| established_date = {{Start date and age|1785}}
|area_total_sq_mi = 26.8
| government_type = ]
|area_land_sq_mi = 26.5
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.3 | leader_title = ]
| leader_name = Jeff Caggiano (])
|area_water_percent =
|population_as_of = 2005 | unit_pref = Imperial
| area_total_km2 = 69.44
|population_note =
|population_total = 61,353 | area_land_km2 = 68.39
| area_water_km2 = 1.05
|population_footnotes =<ref name=popest2>{{cite web | date = ] ] | url = http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2005-04-09.csv | title = Annual Estimates of the Population for All Incorporated Places in Connecticut | format = ] | work = 2005 Population Estimates | publisher = U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division | accessmonthday = November 17 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref>
| area_water_percent =
|population_metro =
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
|population_density_km2 = 894
| elevation_ft = 420
|timezone = ]
| population_footnotes = <ref name="Census 2020"/>
|utc_offset = -5
| population_total = 61892
|timezone_DST = ]
| population_as_of = ]
|utc_offset_DST = -4
| population_est =
|elevation_ft = 305
| pop_est_as_of =
|latd = 41 |latm = 40 |lats = 52 |latNS = N
| population_density_km2 = 889.5
|longd = 72 |longm = 56 |longs = 26 |longEW = W
| population_metro =
|elevation_m = 93
| population_note =
|postal_code_type = ZIP code
|postal_code = 06010 - 06011 | timezone = ]
| utc_offset = −5
|website = http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us
|area_code = ] | timezone_DST = ]
| utc_offset_DST = −4
|blank_name = ]
| postal_code_type = ZIP Codes
|blank_info = 09-08420
| postal_code = 06010–06011
|blank1_name = ] feature ID
|blank1_info = 0205727 | area_codes = ]
| blank_name = ]
|footnotes =
| blank_info = 09-08420
| blank1_name = ] feature ID
| blank1_info = 02378270<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2378270}}</ref>
| blank2_name = Major highways
| blank2_info = ] ]
| website = {{URL|www.bristolct.gov/}}
| pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2019CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2019.html|date=May 24, 2020|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 27, 2020}}</ref>
| population_density_sq_mi = 2270.20
| area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_09.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 2, 2020}}</ref>
| area_total_sq_mi = 26.81
| area_land_sq_mi = 26.41
| area_water_sq_mi = 0.40
| established_title1 = Incorporated (city)
| established_date1 = {{Start date and age|1911}}
}} }}
<!-- Infobox ends !-->


'''Bristol''' is a city located in ], USA, 20 miles (32 km) southwest of ]. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 61,353.<ref name=popest2/> Bristol is primarily known as the home of ], whose central studios are in the city. Bristol was also known as a clock-making city in the 1800s, and still boasts the ]. 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 ] production and still holds an annual "Mum Festival". '''Bristol''' is a suburban city located in ], United States, {{convert|20|mi|km}} southwest-west of ]. The city is also 120 miles southwest from ], and approximately 100 miles northeast of ]. The city is part of the ]. As of the ], the population of the city was 61,844.<ref name="Census 2020">{{Cite web| url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US0908420|title=Census - Geography Profile: Bristol city, Connecticut| publisher=]| access-date=November 26, 2021}}</ref>

Bristol is the location of the general studios of ], the location of ], the United States's oldest continuously operating theme park, and is facing approval in 2024 to become home to one of the largest ] ] operations in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fox61.com/article/news/local/hartford-county/bristol/plan-to-incinerate-infectious-biomedical-waste-in-bristol-faces-pushback/520-90772407-565d-49e0-88db-6e0e3778b0e6| publisher=]|access-date=July 29, 2024| title=Plan to incinerate biomedical waste faces pushback}}</ref>

Bristol was known as a clock-making city in the 19th century, and is the location of ]. Bristol is also the site of the former American Silver Company and its predecessor companies.<ref>Hogan, Edmund P. (1980). ''The elegance of old silver plate and some personalities''. Exton, PA: Schiffer Publishing Limited. Retrieved September 8, 2018. p. 98.</ref>

Bristol's nickname is the "Mum City", because it was once a leader in ] production and still holds an annual ].<ref name=ctecondig>{{cite web| title = Connecticut Economic Digest: Labor Market Information| publisher = Connecticut Department of Labor| date = October 2001| access-date = July 10, 2007| url = http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/lmi/misc/cedoct01.htm#bristol| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060925041505/http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/lmi/misc/cedoct01.htm#bristol| archive-date = September 25, 2006| url-status = dead}}</ref>

==History==

The area that includes present-day Bristol was originally inhabited by the ] ] tribe, one of the ] that shared the lower ].<ref>De Forest, John W. ''History of the Indians of Connecticut from the Earliest Known Period to 1850''. Hartford: Wm. J. Hamersley, 1852.</ref>

Originally, Bristol was within the boundaries of ], which was incorporated in the ] in 1645. This deed was confirmed by another deed in 1650.<ref>Bickford, C. P. and Farmington Historical Society. ''Farmington in Connecticut''. Canaan, NH: Phoenix Pub., 1982.</ref> The first actual settler of Bristol was Daniel Brownson, who built a house near West Street, but did not stay in the area very long. The first permanent settler was Ebenezer Barnes, who the next year built a home on King Street. Also in 1728, Nehemiah Manross arrived from ], and built a house north of Barnes Street, on the west side of King Street. The following year the first settlement arrived in what became East Bristol when Nathaniel Messenger of ] and Benjamin Buck of ] bought land and built houses along King Street.

Other houses were soon built around present-day Bristol wherever land was available for farming. This included the slope of Fall Mountain, along today's Wolcott Street, and on Chippens Hill. By 1742, the families inhabiting the area petitioned the Connecticut Colony General Court for permission to create their own ], citing the difficulties traveling to Farmington during winter. The Court approved their petition for the winter months only, and in 1744, agreed that area residents could set up their own ecclesiastical society. It was called New Cambridge. With their own congregation, area settlers began forming their own local government. However, since homes were so widely scattered, the General Court formed a committee to locate the geographic center of the settlement. The area now known as Federal Hill was deemed the center, and the first Congregationalist church was built there.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Leach |first1=Gail |last2=Vastola |first2=Steven |title=Bristol |date=2001 |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |location=Charleston, SC |isbn=0-7385-0874-8 |pages=7–12 }}</ref>

In 1785, New Cambridge was incorporated as the town of Bristol, named after ].<ref>{{cite book|title=The Connecticut Magazine: An Illustrated Monthly|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qoEyAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA331|year=1903|publisher=Connecticut Magazine Company|page=331}}</ref> By 1790, the industry for which the town later became famous was established by the pioneer of ] Gideon Roberts. Roberts began making wooden moment clocks and peddled them by horseback through Connecticut, ] and ]. As Roberts' sons grew up and began helping with the business, Gideon increased production and Bristol clocks were soon sold all over the country. By the early 19th century, nearly all of the capital and skill in town was involved in the clock industry in some form or fashion. The clock business gave way to related industries, which included brass, springs, bearings, and hardware. As Bristol began to grow, many ethnic groups arrived to work in the industries.

It was incorporated as a city in 1911. Today, Bristol is mostly residential and best known as the home of ] (which arrived in 1979), the ] (since 1952), and ], America's oldest operating theme park—opened in 1846.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bristol |url=https://connecticuthistory.org/towns-page/bristol/ |website=connecticuthistory.org |date=September 21, 2011 |access-date=September 14, 2019}}</ref>

===Blight Committee===

In the 1990s, the Blight Committee was formed to enforce appearance laws, and even demolish<ref>{{cite web| title = Titus Roberts House Justice| publisher = Ken Karl| date = November 2007| access-date = April 14, 2008| url = http://www.titusrobertshousejustice.org/| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090806013617/http://www.titusrobertshousejustice.org/| archive-date = August 6, 2009}}</ref> 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.'"<ref>{{cite web|title = Bristol Blog: Blight Committee Bites the Dust| publisher = Ken Karl|date=November 2007 |access-date = April 14, 2008 | url = http://bristolnews.blogspot.com/2008/04/blight-committee-bites-dust.html}}</ref>

===Downtown revitalization===

Since 2008, Bristol has begun another renovation of the downtown area. The Bristol Downtown Development Corporation was formed to manage the downtown renovation.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42560605/new_urbanism_drives_firms_plan_for_old/|title='New Urbanism' Drives Firms' Plans For Old Mall Site|last=Stacom|first=Don|date=January 1, 2010|work=Hartford Courant|publisher=Hartford Courant Company|issue=1|location=Hartford, Connecticut|volume=CLXXIV|page=B3|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> This has included a complete overhaul of a park in the center of the city. In addition, the outdated and underused Bristol Centre Mall from the mid-1960s was purchased by the city, then demolished in 2008, yielding a 17-acre site suitable for development, christened Depot Square by the city.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.courant.com/2008/03/19/demolition-progresses-at-former-bristol-centre-mall/|title=Demolition Progresses at Former Bristol Centre Mall|last=Stacom|first=Don|date=March 19, 2008|work=Hartford Courant|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref> Also, North Main Street was improved in 2008 by adding islands in the road, elegant street lighting and a brick median when the road was repaved.<ref> {{Dead link|date=July 2020|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>


==Geography== ==Geography==
According to the ], the city has a total area of 69.5 km² (26.8 ]). The city contains several distinct sections: Forestville is approximately the southeastern quarter of Bristol and was Native American hunting grounds until the 1800s. The majority of Bristol is now residential, though in recent years there has been a push for commercial development in the city.<ref>{{cite web|title = City of Bristol, CT - Development Plans | publisher = City of Bristol, Zoning Board | accessdate = 2008-04-14 | url = http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/content/3478/3490.aspx}}</ref> According to the ], Bristol has a total area of {{convert|69.5|sqkm|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|68.4|sqkm|order=flip}} is land and {{convert|1.0|sqkm|order=flip}}, or 1.51%, is water.<ref name="Census 2010">{{Cite web| url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/1600000US0908420| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212180750/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/1600000US0908420| url-status=dead| archive-date=February 12, 2020| title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Bristol city, Connecticut| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder| access-date=November 20, 2012}}</ref> Bristol contains several distinct sections, including Cedar Lake in the southwestern quarter, '''Chippens Hill''' in the northwestern quarter, '''Edgewood''' in the northeastern quarter, '''Forestville''' in the southeastern quarter and the city in the approximate middle of Bristol. The majority of Bristol's area is residential in character, though since 2008 there has been a push for commercial development in the city.<ref>{{cite web | title = City of Bristol, CT - Development Plans | publisher = City of Bristol, Zoning Board | access-date = April 14, 2008 | url = http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/content/3478/3490.aspx | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090807162732/http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/content/3478/3490.aspx | archive-date = August 7, 2009 }}</ref> The city is part of the Naugatuck Valley Regional Planning Organization following the closure of the Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency, the ] for Bristol, ], and surrounding towns for decades.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccrpa.org/ |title=Welcome |publisher=CCRPA |access-date=November 5, 2011}}</ref>

Forestville was the hunting grounds of the ] tribe until the 19th century.<ref>Bristol, Connecticut: "in the Olden Time New Cambridge" page 543</ref> The village was established in 1833 and named Forestville for its wooded surroundings. Forestville today has grown into a mini-metropolis of suburban neighborhoods and local businesses. The boundaries of Forestville go from the Plainville town line, south to the Southington town line, west up to the industrial development along Middle street and crosses King Street, including properties on Kingswood Drive and Bernside Drive, north up to Bristol Eastern High School, then north up to the south edge of properties on Louisiana Avenue, then to the west of properties on the west side of Brook Street and from there, goes up to commercial development along Farmington Avenue. Within the Forestville area, there are two subsections known as East Bristol and the Stafford District. Forestville village has a library branch (Manross), post office, meeting hall, community group (Forestville Village Association), fire station, cemetery, funeral home, two urban parks (Quinlan Veterans Park and Clock Tower Park), Pequabuck Duck Race, Memorial Day Parade, Summer Concert Night, Pumpkin Festival, and a railroad station (no longer in use). At one time all of Forestville had its own zip code.<ref>Street Map Bristol, Burlington 1855</ref><ref>1939 Bristol, Plainville, Terryville, Forestville Volume 51 Price and Lee City Directories.</ref>


==Demographics== ==Demographics==
{{See also|List of Connecticut locations by per capita income}}
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right;"
{{US Census population
|1790= 2462
|1800= 2722
|1810= 1428
|1820= 1362
|1830= 1707
|1840= 2109
|1850= 2884
|1860= 3436
|1870= 3788
|1880= 5347
|1890= 7382
|1900= 6268
|1910= 9527
|1920= 20620
|1930= 28451
|1940= 30167
|1950= 35961
|1960= 45499
|1970= 55487
|1980= 57370
|1990= 60640
|2000= 60062
|2010= 60477
|2020= 60833
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|newspaper=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}

As of the ], there were 60,477 people, 25,189 households, and 16,175 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|2,265.8|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 26,125 housing units at an average density of {{convert|985.6|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the city is 87.74% White, 3.84% African American, 9.64% Hispanic, 0.19% Native American, 1.94% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 3.72% from other races, and 2.54% from two or more races.

In 2000 there were 24,886 households in Bristol, of which 29.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.6% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.0% were non-families. Of all households 28.9% were made up of individuals, and 10.7% consisted of a sole resident who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38, and the average family size was 2.94.

The age diversity at the 2000 census was 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 were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city in 2010 was $57,610. The per capita income for the city was $30,573. Of the population 10.5% was living 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 were living below the poverty line.

==Economy==
===Notable companies===
The companies below are some of the most notable in Bristol. These, in addition to Bristol Hospital, are the largest private employers in the area.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/content/3478/3639/3641/default.aspx |title=City of Bristol, CT - History |publisher=Ci.bristol.ct.us |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927051126/http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/content/3478/3639/3641/default.aspx |archive-date=September 27, 2011 }}</ref>

====Associated Spring====
Founded in 1857 and headquartered in Bristol, ] 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asbg.com|title=Custom Industrial Spring Manufacturer - Associated Spring|website=www.asbg.com}}</ref>

====ESPN====
] houses its broadcast studios in Bristol on Middle Street. ESPN is the largest taxpayer to the City of Bristol.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/content/3478/3549/3555/default.aspx |title=City of Bristol, CT - top ten |publisher=Ci.bristol.ct.us |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927051119/http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/content/3478/3549/3555/default.aspx |archive-date=September 27, 2011 }}</ref>

====Otis Elevator company====
Though its beginnings were in ], ] possesses the tallest elevator test tower in the United States in Bristol. Located near ESPN and Lake Compounce, the {{convert|383|ft|m|adj=on}}-high tower is easily visible from the surrounding roads.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.otis.com/cp/details/1,2240,CLI1_RES1,00.html |title= Our Company|website=www.otis.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080306234439/http://www.otis.com/cp/details/1%2C2240%2CCLI1_RES1%2C00.html |archive-date=March 6, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tips/getAttraction.php?tip_AttractionNo==8718 |title=Bristol, CT - North America's Tallest Elevator Test Tower |publisher=Roadsideamerica.com |access-date=November 5, 2011}}</ref>

===Top employers===
According to Bristol's 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/DocumentCenter/View/24766/June-30-2019-CAFR?bidId=|title=City of Bristol, Connecticut Comprehensive Annual Financial Report FY 2019|date=December 19, 2019|access-date=January 12, 2020}}</ref> the top employers in the city were:

{| class="wikitable"
|- |-
! #
| align="center" colspan="2"| '''Historical population of<br> Bristol'''
! Employer
! # of Employees
|- |-
| 1
|1800
| ]
|2,722
|4,200
|- |-
|2
|1810
| City of Bristol & Board of Education
|1,428
|1,601
|- |-
|3
|1820
| Bristol Health
|1,362
|1,160
|- |-
|4
|1830
| Faneuil, Inc
|1,707
|350
|- |-
|5
|1840
| ]
|2,109
|350
|- |-
|6
|1850
| Sheriden Woods Health Care Center
|2,884
|200
|- |-
|7
|1860
| ] Health & Science LLC
|3,436
|175
|- |-
|8
|1870
| ]
|3,788
|150
|- |-
|9
|1880
| Quality Coils
|5,347
|125
|- |-
|10
|1890
| The Pines at Bristol
|7,382
|115
|}

==Arts and culture==
Bristol holds an annual street festival in September with a car show and a family farms weekend at Minors Farm, Shepherd Meadows and Roberts Orchard.<ref name=ctecondig/>

===Mum Festival and parade===
The first ] 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 ] ("Mum") was also added to the festival's name. Prior to 1986 the nurseries in Bristol would produce over 80,000 mum plants.{{Citation needed|date=December 2010}} In 2014, city leaders elected to adopt a new "brand" for the city. "All Heart" became the new logo on letterheads and T-shirts and even the "Mum Festival" leaders were "encouraged" to adopt the new image at the festival and parade.

===Other attractions===
Located in Bristol are the ], Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imaginenation.org/|title=Imagine Nation &#124; Children's Museum and Preschool|website=www.imaginenation.org|accessdate=June 28, 2023}}</ref> ], ], ], and the Harry Barnes Memorial Nature Center which is part of the Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut. There is also a Polish-American ] festival every September, at ].

==Sports==
Bristol has a summer collegiate baseball team called the ] who play home games at ].

] is one of the oldest ballparks in the United States. In 2012 and 2013, the City of Bristol approved funding for a significant renovation project of the historic ballpark.

Bristol hosts the ] New England and Mid-Atlantic Regional playoffs every August at the A. Bartlett Giamatti Little League Center.<ref>{{cite web |title = Little League Baseball |publisher = Little League Baseball Incorporated |year = 2005 |access-date = April 14, 2008 |url = http://www.littleleague.org/series/2005divisions/llbb/index.htm |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080513134325/http://www.littleleague.org/series/2005divisions/llbb/index.htm |archive-date = May 13, 2008 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = Little League Baseball |publisher = Little League Baseball Incorporated |year = 2006 |access-date = April 14, 2008 |url = http://www.littleleague.org/series/2006divisions/llbb/index.htm |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080101012205/http://www.littleleague.org/series/2006divisions/llbb/index.htm |archive-date = January 1, 2008 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = Little League Baseball |publisher = Little League Baseball Incorporated |year = 2007 |access-date = April 14, 2008 |url = http://www.littleleague.org/series/2007divisions/llbb/index.htm |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080511180312/http://www.littleleague.org/series/2007divisions/llbb/index.htm |archive-date = May 11, 2008 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

==Parks and recreation==
Parks in Bristol include Peck, Page, Rockwell, Bracket, Barnes Nature Center, Indian Rock, and Forestville Memorial.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/content/3416/3474/default.aspx |title=City of Bristol, CT - Parks & Facilities |publisher=Ci.bristol.ct.us |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927051607/http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/content/3416/3474/default.aspx |archive-date=September 27, 2011 }}</ref> The city is also home to ] (1846), the oldest continuously operated amusement park in North America, and to the New England Carousel Museum.

==Government==

{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin:1em; font-size:95%;"
|+ Bristol city vote<br /> by party in presidential elections<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/951/UNOFFICIAL-RESULTS|title = 2020 presidential ELECTION &#124; Bristol, CT - Official Website}}</ref>
|- style="background:lightgrey;"
! Year
! ]
! ]
! ]
|- |-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|]
|1900
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''51.89%''' ''15,463''
|9,643
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|46.42% ''13,834''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.69% ''503''
|- |-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|]
|1910
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|47.25% ''12,499''
|13,502
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''48.20%''' ''12,752''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|4.55% ''1,204''
|- |-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|]
|1920
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''57.91%''' ''14,146''
|20,620
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|40.95% ''10,004''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.14% ''279''
|- |-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|]
|1930
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''60.10%''' ''15,966''
|28,451
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|38.41% ''10,203''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.49% ''397''
|- |-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|]
|1940
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''56.34%''' ''14,201''
|30,167
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|42.13% ''10,619''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.53% ''386''
|- |-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|]
|1950
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''61.81%''' ''14,665''
|35,961
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|33.50% ''7,948''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|4.69% ''1,112''
|- |-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|]
|1960
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''57.59%''' ''13,616''
|45,499
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|27.74% ''6,560''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|14.67% ''3,468''
|- |-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|]
|1970
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''41.99%''' ''11,872''
|55,487
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|29.73% ''8,407''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|28.28% ''7,995''
|- |-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|]
|1980
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''54.39%''' ''13,462''
|57,370
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|44.58% ''11,034''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.03% ''256''
|- |-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|]
|1990
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|43.53% ''10,782''
|60,640
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''56.00%''' ''13,872''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.47% ''116''
|- |-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|]
|2000
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''46.32%''' ''11,123''
|60,062
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|39.91% ''9,583''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|13.77% ''3,306''
|- |-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|]
|2002
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''54.07%''' ''13,330''
|60,541 (estimate)
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|45.23% ''11,151''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.70% ''173''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|46.92% ''11,609''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''52.19%''' ''12,913''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.89% ''219''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''57.59%''' ''12,316''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|37.66% ''8,053''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|4.76% ''1,017''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''76.13%''' ''15,600''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|23.87% ''4,892''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.00% ''0''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''62.82%''' ''13,365''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|37.18% ''7,909''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.00% ''0''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|39.28% ''7,602''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''60.72%''' ''11,751''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.00% ''0''
|} |}

As of the ], there are 60,062 people, 24,886 households, and 16,175 families residing in the city. The population density is 874.8/km² (2,265.8/sq&nbsp;mi). There are 26,125 housing units at an average density of 985.6/sq&nbsp;mi (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.


{| class=wikitable {| class=wikitable
! colspan = 6 | Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of October 25, 2005<ref>{{cite web|title = Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of October 25, 2005 | publisher = Connecticut Secretary of State | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-10-02 | url = http://www.sots.ct.gov/ElectionsServices/lists/2005OctRegEnrollStats.pdf}}</ref> ! colspan = 6 | Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of October 29, 2019<ref>{{cite web|url=https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SOTS/ElectionServices/Registration_and_Enrollment_Stats/Nov19RE.pdf?la=en|title=Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of October 29, 2019|publisher=Connecticut Secretary of State|format=PDF|access-date=February 19, 2020}}</ref>
|- |-
! colspan = 2 | Party ! colspan = 2 | Party
! Active Voters ! Active Voters
! Inactive Voters ! Inactive Voters
! Total Voters ! Total Voters
! Percentage ! Percentage
|-
{{American politics/party colours/Democratic/row}}
| {{party color cell|Democratic Party (United States)}}
| ] | ]
| align = center | 12,480 | style="text-align:center;"| 12,731
| align = center | 381 | style="text-align:center;"| 652
| align = center | 12,861 | style="text-align:center;"| 13,383
| align = center | 38.64% | style="text-align:center;"| 35.58%
|-
{{American politics/party colours/Republican/row}}
| {{party color cell|Republican Party (United States)}}
| ] | ]
| align = center | 5,531 | style="text-align:center;"| 7,309
| align = center | 206 | style="text-align:center;"| 346
| align = center | 5,737 | style="text-align:center;"| 7,655
| align = center | 17.24% | style="text-align:center;"| 20.35%
|-
{{American politics/party colours/Independent/row}}
| {{party color cell|Independent Party (United States)}}
| Unaffiliated
| ]
| align = center | 13,954
| align = center | 729 | style="text-align:center;"| 14,900
| align = center | 14,683 | style="text-align:center;"| 998
| align = center | 44.11% | style="text-align:center;"| 15,898
| style="text-align:center;"| 42.26%
{{American politics/party colours/Libertarian/row}}
|-
| Minor Parties
| {{party color cell|Independent Party (United States)}}
| align = center | 4
| Minor parties
| align = center | 0
| align = center | 4 | style="text-align:center;"| 627
| align = center | 0.01% | style="text-align:center;"| 54
| style="text-align:center;"| 681
| style="text-align:center;"| 1.81%
|- |-
! colspan = 2 | Total ! colspan = 2 | Total
! align = center | 31,969 ! style="text-align:center;"| 35,567
! align = center | 1,316 ! style="text-align:center;"| 2,050
! align = center | 33,285 ! style="text-align:center;"| 37,617
! align = center | 100% ! style="text-align:center;"| 100%
|} |}


The city is governed under a Mayor-council form of government. Both the mayor and councilpersons are elected every two years. The city's Treasurer, Board of Assessment Appeals, and Board of Education are also elected every two years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/285/Charter-and-Code-of-Ordinances|title=Code of Ordinances {{!}} Bristol, CT - Official Website|website=www.ci.bristol.ct.us|language=en|access-date=April 17, 2018}}</ref> Jeff Caggiano (R) was elected as mayor on November 2, 2021. The last municipal election was held on November 7, 2023, where Caggiano was easily re-elected.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caggiano |first=Jeffrey |date=November 7, 2023 |title=Caggiano Re-elected in 2023 |url=https://www.bristolct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/46725/November-7-2023-Results?bidId= |website=City of Bristol}}</ref>
== Education ==


The City Council is made up of six members, elected every two years from three two member districts. As of the 2021 municipal elections, the members of the city council are:
Education in Bristol, CT is conducted using ten elementary schools (grades kindergarten through five), three middle schools (grades six, seven and eight
*District 1: ] Sebastian Panioto and Jolene Lusitani
), 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.<ref>{{cite web|title = Bristol Public Schools: Our Schools| publisher = City of Bristol, Public Schools |year=2008 |accessdate = 2008-04-14 | url = http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=2}}</ref>
*District 2: ] Jacqueline Olsen and Susan Tyler
*District 3: ] Andrew Howe and Cheryl Thibeault


Bristol is represented in the Connecticut House of Representatives by state representatives Cara Pavalock D’Amato (R-77), Whit Betts (R-78), and Chris Ziogas (D-79). ] Henri Martin (R-31) represents Bristol in the Connecticut Senate. At the federal level, Bristol is in ] and is currently represented by ] ].
A recent press release shows good scores on the ], a standardized ] 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.<ref>{{cite web|title = Bristol Public Schools| publisher = City of Bristol, Public Schools |year=2008 |accessdate = 2008-04-14 | url = http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/uploaded/pdf/Press_Releases/BPS_CAPT_Scores-Press_Release_8-07.pdf}}</ref>


==Education==
{| border = "1" align="center"
Education in Bristol is conducted using seven elementary schools (grades kindergarten through five), two middle schools (grades six, seven and eight), and two high schools. In addition to these public schools, there are three private ], and one ] available. These add an additional three pre-kindergarten through grade 8 schools and one additional high school.<ref>{{cite web|title = Bristol Public Schools: Our Schools|publisher = City of Bristol, Public Schools|year = 2008|access-date = April 14, 2008|url = http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=2|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080416053338/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=2|archive-date = April 16, 2008}}</ref>

A recent press release shows good scores on the ], a standardized test which students take statewide 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.<ref>{{cite web|title = Bristol Public Schools|publisher = City of Bristol, Public Schools|year = 2008|access-date = April 14, 2008|url = http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/uploaded/pdf/Press_Releases/BPS_CAPT_Scores-Press_Release_8-07.pdf|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080911171931/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/uploaded/pdf/Press_Releases/BPS_CAPT_Scores-Press_Release_8-07.pdf|archive-date = September 11, 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ '''Schools in Bristol''' |+ '''Schools in Bristol'''
! Elementary Schools !! Middle Schools !! K-Through-8 Schools !! High Schools ! Elementary schools !! Middle schools !! K-through-8 schools !! High schools
|- |-
|Bingham School<br /> (closed June 2010) <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=233 |title=Bristol Public Schools: Bingham School |publisher=Bristol.k12.ct.us |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928181928/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=233 |archive-date=September 28, 2011 }}</ref> || Chippens Hill Middle School<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=424 |title=Bristol Public Schools: Chippens Hill MS |publisher=Bristol.k12.ct.us |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020054527/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=424 |archive-date=October 20, 2011 }}</ref> || Saint Anthony School<br />(Closed June 2016)<ref>{{cite web|author=Murchison-Gallagher, Taylor|url=http://bristolobserver.com/local-news/archdiocese-will-close-st-anthony-school/|title=Archdiocese will close St. Anthony School|newspaper=]|date=December 19, 2015|access-date=May 8, 2020}}</ref> || ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=98 |title=Bristol Public Schools: Bristol Central HOME Page |publisher=Bristol.k12.ct.us |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021165058/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=98 |archive-date=October 21, 2011 }}</ref>
|Bingham School || Chippens Hill Middle School || St. Anthony's School || Bristol Central High School
|- |-
|Edgewood School || Memorial Boulevard Middle School || St. Matthew's School || Bristol Eastern High School |Edgewood School<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=341 |title=Bristol Public Schools: Edgewood School Homepage |publisher=Bristol.k12.ct.us |date=October 19, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023001646/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=341 |archive-date=October 23, 2011 }}</ref> || Memorial Boulevard Middle School<br />(Closed June 2012)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=425 |title=Bristol Public Schools: Memorial Boulevard HOME PAGE |publisher=Bristol.k12.ct.us |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020054532/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=425 |archive-date=October 20, 2011 }}</ref> || Saint Matthew School || ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=235 |title=Bristol Public Schools: Bristol Eastern HS |publisher=Bristol.k12.ct.us |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107074407/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=235 |archive-date=November 7, 2011 }}</ref>
|- |-
|Greene-Hills School<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=416 |title=Bristol Public Schools: Greene-Hills School |publisher=Bristol.k12.ct.us |date=October 28, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107074412/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=416 |archive-date=November 7, 2011 }}</ref> || Northeast Middle School<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=426 |title=Bristol Public Schools: Northeast Middle School |publisher=Bristol.k12.ct.us |date=September 12, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928181452/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=426 |archive-date=September 28, 2011 }}</ref> || Saint Joseph School <ref>{{cite web | url=http://school.stjosephbristol.org/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417014443/http://school.stjosephbristol.org/ | archive-date=April 17, 2008 | title=Welcome to St. Joseph School }}</ref>|| ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spchs.com/|title=Home|website=]|accessdate=June 28, 2023}}</ref>
|Greene-Hills School || Northeast Middle School || St. Joseph's School || St. Paul Catholic High School
|- |-
|Hubbell School || || Immanuel Lutheran School || |Hubbell School<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=790 |title=Bristol Public Schools: E. P. Hubbell School |publisher=Bristol.k12.ct.us |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031100528/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=790 |archive-date=October 31, 2011 }}</ref> || || Immanuel Lutheran School <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ilcs.org/|title=Immanuel Lutheran Church & School |website=www.ilcs.org|accessdate=June 28, 2023}}</ref>||
|- |-
|Ivy Drive School || || || |Ivy Drive School<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=1070 |title=Bristol Public Schools: Ivy |publisher=Bristol.k12.ct.us |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020054506/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=1070 |archive-date=October 20, 2011 }}</ref> || || ||
|- |-
|Jennings School<br />(closed June 2012)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=815 |title=Bristol Public Schools: Jennings School |publisher=Bristol.k12.ct.us |date=October 4, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123101324/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=815 |archive-date=November 23, 2011 }}</ref> || || ||
|Jennings School || || ||
|- |-
|Mountain View School || || || |Mountain View School<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=923 |title=Bristol Public Schools: Mountain View School |publisher=Bristol.k12.ct.us |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020054615/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=923 |archive-date=October 20, 2011 }}</ref> || || ||
|- |-
|O'Connell School<br />(closed June 2012)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=1071 |title=Bristol Public Schools: O'Connell School |publisher=Bristol.k12.ct.us |date=October 26, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118094425/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=1071 |archive-date=November 18, 2011 }}</ref> || || ||
|O'Connell School || || ||
|- |-
|South Side School<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=963 |title=Bristol Public Schools: South Side School |publisher=Bristol.k12.ct.us |date=September 7, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020054625/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=963 |archive-date=October 20, 2011 }}</ref> || || ||
|South Side School || || ||
|- |-
|Stafford School<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=1048 |title=Bristol Public Schools: Stafford School |publisher=Bristol.k12.ct.us |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107040754/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=1048 |archive-date=November 7, 2011 }}</ref> || || ||
|Stafford School || || ||
|-
|West Bristol School<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wbs.bristol.k12.ct.us/ |title=Bristol Public Schools: West Bristol School |publisher=Bristol.k12.ct.us |access-date=February 8, 2022 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208192230/https://wbs.bristol.k12.ct.us/ }}</ref> || || ||
|} |}
Recently,{{when|date=May 2020}} 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<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=5 |title=Bristol Public Schools: Board of Education |publisher=Bristol.k12.ct.us |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107022757/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/page.cfm?p=5 |archive-date=November 7, 2011 }}</ref> appeals for support for this project have been met with mixed emotions.<ref>{{cite web|title = City of Bristol, Public Schools: School Brochure|publisher = Bristol Board of Education|year = 2007|access-date = April 14, 2008|url = http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/uploaded/pdf/NSP/School_brochure.pdf|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080911171932/http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/uploaded/pdf/NSP/School_brochure.pdf|archive-date = September 11, 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web|title = City of Bristol, Public Schools: School Brochure| publisher = Bristol Board of Education |year=2007 |accessdate = 2008-04-14 | url = http://www.bristol.k12.ct.us/uploaded/pdf/NSP/School_brochure.pdf}}</ref>

== Public safety ==
===Fire Department===
The ] 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.<ref></ref>

===Police Department===
The Bristol, Connecticut Police Department is a full service police department with a Patrol Division that consists of 125 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.<ref>{{cite web|title = City of Bristol, CT - Patrol Division| publisher = City of Bristol |year=2004 |accessdate = 2008-04-14 | url = http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/content/3184/3186/3216/default.aspx}}</ref>

===Emergency Medical Services===
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.<ref>{{cite web|title = Bristol Hospital EMS | publisher = Bristol Hospital EMS |accessdate = 2008-04-14 | url = http://www.bhems.com/}}</ref>

==Revitalization==
===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.<ref>{{cite web|title = City of Bristol, CT - Downtown Revitalization| publisher = Arthur J. Ward, Mayor|year=2008 |accessdate = 2008-04-14 | url = http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/content/5816/5990.aspx}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = BDDC| publisher = Bristol Downtown Development Corporation|year=2008 |accessdate = 2008-04-14 | url = http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/content/8225/default.aspx}}</ref>

===Blight Committee===
This citywide revitalization, however, has led to certain problems. Primarily, the controversial '''blight committee''' has come under fire for actions it has taken. Bristol houses a unique, and controversial, committee which has the power to enforce, and even demolish,<ref>{{cite web|title = Titus Roberts House Justice| publisher = Ken Karl|month=November | year=2007 |accessdate = 2008-04-14 | url = http://www.titusrobertshousejustice.org/}}</ref> 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 a recent update, the Bristol Blight Committee has been disbanded in order to make way for a new committee; the '''Bristol Code Enforcement Committee'''. This new committee has further reaching power and can now deal with both appearances as well as 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. By definition 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.'"<ref>{{cite web|title = Bristol Blog: Blight Committee Bites the Dust| publisher = Ken Karl|month=November | year=2007 |accessdate = 2008-04-14 | url = http://bristolnews.blogspot.com/2008/04/blight-committee-bites-dust.html}}</ref>

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 ]'s apple festival, all of which are held around September.<ref>{{cite web|title = Connecticut Economic Digest: Labor Market Information| publisher = Connecticut Department of Labor|month=October | year=2001 |accessdate = 2007-07-10 | url = http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/lmi/misc/cedoct01.htm#bristol}}</ref>

Bristol has many parks as well: Page, Rockwell, Bracket, Barnes Nature Center, Indian Rock, Forestville memorial and many more (22 in total). The city is also home to ], the oldest continuously operated amusement park in North America and to the ], the ], the ], and the ]. The Harry Barnes Memorial Nature Center is comprised of 70 acres of forest and fields, with nature trails and an interpretive center.

==Sports==
Bristol hosts the ] New England and Mid-Atlantic Regional playoffs every August at The A. Bartlett Giamatti Little League Center.<ref>{{cite web|title = Little League Baseball | publisher = Little League Baseball Incorporated |year=2005 |accessdate = 2008-04-14 | url = http://www.littleleague.org/series/2005divisions/llbb/index.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = Little League Baseball | publisher = Little League Baseball Incorporated |year=2006 |accessdate = 2008-04-14 | url = http://www.littleleague.org/series/2006divisions/llbb/index.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = Little League Baseball | publisher = Little League Baseball Incorporated |year=2007 |accessdate = 2008-04-14 | url = http://www.littleleague.org/series/2007divisions/llbb/index.htm}}</ref>


==Media== ==Media==
The local daily newspaper is ''The Bristol Press,''<ref>{{cite news |title=The Bristol Press |url=http://www.bristolpress.com/ |work=bristolpress.com |publisher=Central Connecticut Communications |access-date=April 14, 2008}}</ref> and town news is also featured in a small weekly called the ''Bristol Observer''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bristol Observer |url=http://bristolobserver.com/ |access-date=December 6, 2018 |work=bristolobserver.com |publisher=Stepsaver}}</ref>
The name of the local daily newspaper is the ''Bristol Press''. It is also home to The ], one of the first online newspapers.<ref>{{cite web|title = BristolPress.com | publisher = Bristol Press |year=2008 |accessdate = 2008-04-14 | url = http://www.bristolpress.com/}}</ref>


==Sister Cities== ==Infrastructure==
=== Transportation ===
*{{flagicon|Greece}} ], Greece
==== Bus ====
Bristol has a bus service that connects urban centers and hospitals with the rest of the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cttransit.com/services/local-service|title=Local Service &#124; CTtransit - Connecticut DOT-owned bus service|website=www.cttransit.com|accessdate=June 28, 2023}}</ref> It is part of the ] system, which serves the ] area.


==Notable companies== ===Public safety===
====EMS====
The companies below are some of the most notable in Bristol, CT. In addition, these, in addition to Bristol Hospital, are the largest private employers in the area.<ref></ref>
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 six emergency ambulances (including spares), two paramedic intercept vehicles and four wheelchair vans.<ref>{{cite web |title = Bristol Hospital EMS |publisher = Bristol Hospital EMS |access-date = April 14, 2008 |url = http://www.bhems.com/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080916072647/http://bhems.com/ |archive-date = September 16, 2008 |url-status = dead }}</ref>


===Associated Spring=== ====Fire department====
The ] is a full-service fire department with five engine companies (or stations) and one tower ladder company. The Bristol Board of Fire Commissioners consists of five members appointed by the Mayor who establish the primary policies of the fire department.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/content/3184/3232/default.aspx |title=City of Bristol, CT - Fire Department |publisher=Ci.bristol.ct.us |access-date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103234856/http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/content/3184/3232/default.aspx |archive-date=November 3, 2011 }}</ref>
Founded in 1857, and headquartered in Bristol, Connecticut, U.S.A., Barnes Group Inc. 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.


===ESPN=== ====Police department====
The Bristol Police Department is a full-service police department with approximately 125 sworn officers. The Bristol Board of Police Commissioners consists of five members appointed by the Mayor who establish the primary policies of the police department. In addition to a vehicular patrol division, downtown Bristol is also policed by a bicycle division. During any shift, there may be as many as 12 officers on duty, not including detectives and officers from other divisions.<ref>{{cite web|title = City of Bristol, CT - Patrol Division|publisher = City of Bristol|year = 2004|access-date = April 14, 2008|url = http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/content/3184/3186/3216/default.aspx|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080423011116/http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/content/3184/3186/3216/default.aspx|archive-date = April 23, 2008}}</ref>
] houses its broadcast studios in Bristol, CT on Middle Street. ESPN is the largest taxpayer to the City of Bristol.<ref></ref>


==Notable people==
===Otis Elevator company===
* ] (1799–1888), father of ], taught school in Bristol on two different occasions: in 1823 and, after teaching in Cheshire for a time, again in Bristol from 1827 to 1828. Alcott later moved to ], where he became acquainted with many prominent ] and literary figures
Though its beginnings were in ], Otis Elevator possesses the largest elevator test tower in the United States in Bristol. Located near ESPN and Lake Compounce, the {{convert|383|ft|m|sing=on}}-high tower is easily visible from the surrounding roads.<ref>http://www.otis.com/cp/details/1,2240,CLI1_RES1,00.html</ref><ref></ref>
* ] (born 1957), President of ] in ], was born in Bristol
* ] (born 1943), actor who played the character ] ] in both the ] and ] series '']'', was born in Bristol
* ] (born 2004), professional basketball player for the ] of the ] (NBA)
* ] (1928–1978), actor who played the title role in the ] series '']'', worked for WBIS radio station in Bristol early in his career
* ], former ] outfielder, was born in Bristol
* ], music producer, was born in Bristol
* ], drag queen; grew up in Bristol
* ] (born 1980), Olympic athlete, graduated from Bristol Central High School
* ] (1989–2017), ] former tight end for the ] and convicted ]
* ] (born 1940), U.S. Senator from New Hampshire (1979–1991) was born in Bristol
* ], author of '']'', was born in Bristol
* ] (born 1964) and ] (born 1964), twin sisters who won the silver medal in ] at the ] in ], South Korea and the gold medal at the ] in ], Spain, were born in Bristol
* ] (born 1981), actress most famous for her role in ]'s critically acclaimed horror film '']'', born and raised in Bristol
* ], debuted in his professional baseball career playing for the Bristol Red Sox at ], an early twentieth-century ballpark in Bristol. Baseball Hall of Famer ], who debuted with Williamsport in the New York-Penn League and then played for Winter Haven of the Florida State League, also played part of his minor league career for the Bristol Red Sox
* ] (born 1980), American composer, was raised in Bristol and graduated from Bristol Central High School
* ] (born 1967), head basketball coach at ]; formerly coach at ]
* ] (born 1959), longtime writer for '']'', is a Bristol native
* ] (1862–1925) ], ], ], and ] who moved to Bristol in the 1880s. He designed and manufactured ] and other kinds of bells (hence the name Bell City), ]s, ], and ]
* ] (1905–1986), archaeologist, art historian
* ] (born 1986), ] driver, was born in Bristol
* ], ''New York Times'' best-selling author and NBA Columnist for Yahoo! Sports, Fox Sports One, and now ESPN was raised in Bristol and attended Bristol Central High School


===CIGNA Insurance=== ==Sister cities==
* ], Greece<ref>{{cite news |last1=Springer |first1=John |title=Bristol, Greece Strengthen Ties |url=https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-1998-08-03-9808030230-story.html |access-date=September 23, 2019 |publisher=Hartford Courant |date=August 3, 1998}}</ref>
] 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.<ref>{{cite web|title = CIGNA Company History | publisher = CIGNA Health Insurance |year=2008 |accessdate = 2008-04-14 | url = http://www.cigna.com/about_us/company_history.html}}</ref>

==Notable people, past and present==
*], the father of ], 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 ] where he became acquainted with many prominent ] and literary figures.
*], a native of Bristol (born 1943) is the actor who played the character ] ] in both the ] and ] series '']''.
*] (1928-1978), the actor who played the title role in the ] series '']'', worked for WBIS radio station in Bristol early in his career.
*], music producer, was born in Bristol.
*] (1940-), United States Senator from New Hampshire (1979-1991) was born in Bristol.
*] (1959-), longtime writer for "The Simpsons," is a Bristol native.
*] and ] debuted in their professional baseball careers playing for the Bristol Red Sox at ], a depression-era-built ballpark in Bristol.


==Gallery== ==Gallery==

<gallery>
<gallery mode="packed" heights="145">
Image:BristolCityHall.jpg|City Hall
File:BristolCT MainStreetHD1.jpg|]
Image:BristolPoliceCourt.jpg|Police HQ/Courthouse
File:BristolMainLib.jpg|Main Library
<!-- Deleted image removed: Image:Bristol Station 1.PNG|Fire HQ -->
File:PostcardBristolCTProspectStreetAndRailroadStation1913.jpg|Railroad station and Prospect Street, {{circa|1913}}
Image:BristolMainLib.jpg|Main Library
File:Forestville station postcard.jpg|Forestville railroad station, {{circa|1912}}
Image:BristolManrossLib.jpg|Manross Library
File:BristolManrossLib.jpg|Manross Library, center of Forestville
Image:PostcardBristolCTGridleyHouse1908.jpg|Gridley House, about 1908
File:StStanaslaus BristolConnecticut Jan 23 2011 094.JPG|]
File:Connecticut Mountains.jpg|Mountains, seen from Bristol, near the ] border
</gallery> </gallery>


==References == == See also ==

{{reflist}}
* {{Portal inline|Connecticut}}
* {{Portal inline|New England}}
* {{Portal inline|Cities}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Wikisource1911Enc|Bristol (Connecticut)}} {{EB1911 poster|Bristol (Connecticut)}}
{{commons category-inline}}<br/>
*
{{wikivoyage-inline|Bristol (Connecticut)|Bristol, Connecticut}}
*
* {{Official website|http://www.bristolct.gov/ }}
*
* *
*
{{Mapit-US-cityscale|41.6717648|-72.9492703}}

<br clear=all>
{{Connecticut}} {{Connecticut}}
{{Hartford County, Connecticut}} {{Hartford County, Connecticut}}
{{Naugatuck Valley Planning Region, Connecticut}}
{{Greater Hartford}}
{{Northeast Megalopolis}}
{{authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 18:02, 23 December 2024

City in Connecticut, United States For other uses, see Bristol (disambiguation).

City in Connecticut, United States
Bristol, Connecticut
City
St Joseph Church, Bristol CT.St Joseph Church, Bristol CT.
Flag of Bristol, ConnecticutFlagOfficial seal of Bristol, ConnecticutSeal
Nicknames: Mum City, Home of ESPN, Bell City
Bristol's location within Hartford County and Connecticut Hartford County and ConnecticutBristol's location within the Naugatuck Valley Planning Region and the state of Connecticut Naugatuck Valley Planning Region and Connecticut
Show BristolShow ConnecticutShow the United States
Coordinates: 41°40′52″N 72°56′26″W / 41.68111°N 72.94056°W / 41.68111; -72.94056
Country United States
State Connecticut
CountyHartford
RegionNaugatuck Valley
Incorporated (town)1785; 240 years ago (1785)
Incorporated (city)1911; 114 years ago (1911)
Neighborhoods
  • Cedar Lake
  • Chippens Hill
  • East Bristol
  • Edgewood
  • Federal Hill
  • Forestville Village
  • Maple End
  • Northeast Bristol
  • Rustic Terrace
  • West End
Government
 • TypeMayor-council
 • MayorJeff Caggiano (R)
Area
 • Total26.81 sq mi (69.44 km)
 • Land26.41 sq mi (68.39 km)
 • Water0.40 sq mi (1.05 km)
Elevation420 ft (130 m)
Population
 • Total61,892
 • Density2,270.20/sq mi (889.5/km)
Time zoneUTC−5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes06010–06011
Area codes860/959
FIPS code09-08420
GNIS feature ID02378270
Major highways
Websitewww.bristolct.gov

Bristol is a suburban city located in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States, 20 miles (32 km) southwest-west of Hartford. The city is also 120 miles southwest from Boston, and approximately 100 miles northeast of New York City. The city is part of the Naugatuck Valley Planning Region. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 61,844.

Bristol is the location of the general studios of ESPN, the location of Lake Compounce, the United States's oldest continuously operating theme park, and is facing approval in 2024 to become home to one of the largest biomedical waste incineration operations in the United States.

Bristol was known as a clock-making city in the 19th century, and is the location of American Clock & Watch Museum. Bristol is also the site of the former American Silver Company and its predecessor companies.

Bristol's nickname is the "Mum City", because it was once a leader in chrysanthemum production and still holds an annual Bristol Mum Festival.

History

The area that includes present-day Bristol was originally inhabited by the Tunxis Native American tribe, one of the Eastern Algonquian-speaking peoples that shared the lower Connecticut River Valley.

Originally, Bristol was within the boundaries of Farmington, Connecticut, which was incorporated in the Connecticut Colony in 1645. This deed was confirmed by another deed in 1650. The first actual settler of Bristol was Daniel Brownson, who built a house near West Street, but did not stay in the area very long. The first permanent settler was Ebenezer Barnes, who the next year built a home on King Street. Also in 1728, Nehemiah Manross arrived from Lebanon, Connecticut, and built a house north of Barnes Street, on the west side of King Street. The following year the first settlement arrived in what became East Bristol when Nathaniel Messenger of Hartford and Benjamin Buck of Southington bought land and built houses along King Street.

Other houses were soon built around present-day Bristol wherever land was available for farming. This included the slope of Fall Mountain, along today's Wolcott Street, and on Chippens Hill. By 1742, the families inhabiting the area petitioned the Connecticut Colony General Court for permission to create their own Congregational Society, citing the difficulties traveling to Farmington during winter. The Court approved their petition for the winter months only, and in 1744, agreed that area residents could set up their own ecclesiastical society. It was called New Cambridge. With their own congregation, area settlers began forming their own local government. However, since homes were so widely scattered, the General Court formed a committee to locate the geographic center of the settlement. The area now known as Federal Hill was deemed the center, and the first Congregationalist church was built there.

In 1785, New Cambridge was incorporated as the town of Bristol, named after Bristol, England. By 1790, the industry for which the town later became famous was established by the pioneer of clock making Gideon Roberts. Roberts began making wooden moment clocks and peddled them by horseback through Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania. As Roberts' sons grew up and began helping with the business, Gideon increased production and Bristol clocks were soon sold all over the country. By the early 19th century, nearly all of the capital and skill in town was involved in the clock industry in some form or fashion. The clock business gave way to related industries, which included brass, springs, bearings, and hardware. As Bristol began to grow, many ethnic groups arrived to work in the industries.

It was incorporated as a city in 1911. Today, Bristol is mostly residential and best known as the home of ESPN (which arrived in 1979), the American Clock & Watch Museum (since 1952), and Lake Compounce, America's oldest operating theme park—opened in 1846.

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.'"

Downtown revitalization

Since 2008, Bristol has begun another renovation of the downtown area. The Bristol Downtown Development Corporation was formed to manage the downtown renovation. This has included a complete overhaul of a park in the center of the city. In addition, the outdated and underused Bristol Centre Mall from the mid-1960s was purchased by the city, then demolished in 2008, yielding a 17-acre site suitable for development, christened Depot Square by the city. Also, North Main Street was improved in 2008 by adding islands in the road, elegant street lighting and a brick median when the road was repaved.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Bristol has a total area of 26.8 square miles (69.5 km), of which 26.4 square miles (68.4 km) is land and 0.39 square miles (1.0 km), or 1.51%, is water. Bristol contains several distinct sections, including Cedar Lake in the southwestern quarter, Chippens Hill in the northwestern quarter, Edgewood in the northeastern quarter, Forestville in the southeastern quarter and the city in the approximate middle of Bristol. The majority of Bristol's area is residential in character, though since 2008 there has been a push for commercial development in the city. The city is part of the Naugatuck Valley Regional Planning Organization following the closure of the Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency, the metropolitan planning organization for Bristol, New Britain, and surrounding towns for decades.

Forestville was the hunting grounds of the Tunxis tribe until the 19th century. The village was established in 1833 and named Forestville for its wooded surroundings. Forestville today has grown into a mini-metropolis of suburban neighborhoods and local businesses. The boundaries of Forestville go from the Plainville town line, south to the Southington town line, west up to the industrial development along Middle street and crosses King Street, including properties on Kingswood Drive and Bernside Drive, north up to Bristol Eastern High School, then north up to the south edge of properties on Louisiana Avenue, then to the west of properties on the west side of Brook Street and from there, goes up to commercial development along Farmington Avenue. Within the Forestville area, there are two subsections known as East Bristol and the Stafford District. Forestville village has a library branch (Manross), post office, meeting hall, community group (Forestville Village Association), fire station, cemetery, funeral home, two urban parks (Quinlan Veterans Park and Clock Tower Park), Pequabuck Duck Race, Memorial Day Parade, Summer Concert Night, Pumpkin Festival, and a railroad station (no longer in use). At one time all of Forestville had its own zip code.

Demographics

See also: List of Connecticut locations by per capita income
Historical population
CensusPop.Note
17902,462
18002,72210.6%
18101,428−47.5%
18201,362−4.6%
18301,70725.3%
18402,10923.6%
18502,88436.7%
18603,43619.1%
18703,78810.2%
18805,34741.2%
18907,38238.1%
19006,268−15.1%
19109,52752.0%
192020,620116.4%
193028,45138.0%
194030,1676.0%
195035,96119.2%
196045,49926.5%
197055,48722.0%
198057,3703.4%
199060,6405.7%
200060,062−1.0%
201060,4770.7%
202060,8330.6%
U.S. Decennial Census

As of the 2010 census, there were 60,477 people, 25,189 households, and 16,175 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,265.8 inhabitants per square mile (874.8/km). There were 26,125 housing units at an average density of 985.6 units per square mile (380.5 units/km). The racial makeup of the city is 87.74% White, 3.84% African American, 9.64% Hispanic, 0.19% Native American, 1.94% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 3.72% from other races, and 2.54% from two or more races.

In 2000 there were 24,886 households in Bristol, of which 29.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.6% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.0% were non-families. Of all households 28.9% were made up of individuals, and 10.7% consisted of a sole resident who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38, and the average family size was 2.94.

The age diversity at the 2000 census was 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 were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city in 2010 was $57,610. The per capita income for the city was $30,573. Of the population 10.5% was living 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 were living below the poverty line.

Economy

Notable companies

The companies below are some of the most notable in Bristol. These, in addition to Bristol Hospital, are the largest private employers in the area.

Associated Spring

Founded in 1857 and headquartered in Bristol, Barnes Group 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.

ESPN

ESPN houses its broadcast studios in Bristol on Middle Street. ESPN is the largest taxpayer to the City of Bristol.

Otis Elevator company

Though its beginnings were in Yonkers, New York, Otis Elevator Company possesses the tallest elevator test tower in the United States in Bristol. Located near ESPN and Lake Compounce, the 383-foot (117 m)-high tower is easily visible from the surrounding roads.

Top employers

According to Bristol's 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city were:

# Employer # of Employees
1 ESPN 4,200
2 City of Bristol & Board of Education 1,601
3 Bristol Health 1,160
4 Faneuil, Inc 350
5 Amazon 350
6 Sheriden Woods Health Care Center 200
7 IDEX Health & Science LLC 175
8 Stop & Shop 150
9 Quality Coils 125
10 The Pines at Bristol 115

Arts and culture

Bristol holds an annual street festival in September with a car show and a family farms weekend at Minors Farm, Shepherd Meadows and Roberts Orchard.

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 chrysanthemum ("Mum") was also added to the festival's name. Prior to 1986 the nurseries in Bristol would produce over 80,000 mum plants. In 2014, city leaders elected to adopt a new "brand" for the city. "All Heart" became the new logo on letterheads and T-shirts and even the "Mum Festival" leaders were "encouraged" to adopt the new image at the festival and parade.

Other attractions

Located in Bristol are the American Clock & Watch Museum, Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center, Bristol Military Memorial Museum, Bristol Historical Society Museum, Witch's Dungeon Classic Movie Museum, and the Harry Barnes Memorial Nature Center which is part of the Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut. There is also a Polish-American Dożynki festival every September, at St Stanislaus Church.

Sports

Bristol has a summer collegiate baseball team called the Bristol Blues who play home games at Muzzy Field.

Muzzy Field is one of the oldest ballparks in the United States. In 2012 and 2013, the City of Bristol approved funding for a significant renovation project of the historic ballpark.

Bristol hosts the Little League New England and Mid-Atlantic Regional playoffs every August at the A. Bartlett Giamatti Little League Center.

Parks and recreation

Parks in Bristol include Peck, Page, Rockwell, Bracket, Barnes Nature Center, Indian Rock, and Forestville Memorial. The city is also home to Lake Compounce (1846), the oldest continuously operated amusement park in North America, and to the New England Carousel Museum.

Government

Bristol city vote
by party in presidential elections
Year Democratic Republican Third Parties
2020 51.89% 15,463 46.42% 13,834 1.69% 503
2016 47.25% 12,499 48.20% 12,752 4.55% 1,204
2012 57.91% 14,146 40.95% 10,004 1.14% 279
2008 60.10% 15,966 38.41% 10,203 1.49% 397
2004 56.34% 14,201 42.13% 10,619 1.53% 386
2000 61.81% 14,665 33.50% 7,948 4.69% 1,112
1996 57.59% 13,616 27.74% 6,560 14.67% 3,468
1992 41.99% 11,872 29.73% 8,407 28.28% 7,995
1988 54.39% 13,462 44.58% 11,034 1.03% 256
1984 43.53% 10,782 56.00% 13,872 0.47% 116
1980 46.32% 11,123 39.91% 9,583 13.77% 3,306
1976 54.07% 13,330 45.23% 11,151 0.70% 173
1972 46.92% 11,609 52.19% 12,913 0.89% 219
1968 57.59% 12,316 37.66% 8,053 4.76% 1,017
1964 76.13% 15,600 23.87% 4,892 0.00% 0
1960 62.82% 13,365 37.18% 7,909 0.00% 0
1956 39.28% 7,602 60.72% 11,751 0.00% 0
Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of October 29, 2019
Party Active Voters Inactive Voters Total Voters Percentage
Democratic 12,731 652 13,383 35.58%
Republican 7,309 346 7,655 20.35%
Unaffiliated 14,900 998 15,898 42.26%
Minor parties 627 54 681 1.81%
Total 35,567 2,050 37,617 100%

The city is governed under a Mayor-council form of government. Both the mayor and councilpersons are elected every two years. The city's Treasurer, Board of Assessment Appeals, and Board of Education are also elected every two years. Jeff Caggiano (R) was elected as mayor on November 2, 2021. The last municipal election was held on November 7, 2023, where Caggiano was easily re-elected.

The City Council is made up of six members, elected every two years from three two member districts. As of the 2021 municipal elections, the members of the city council are:

  • District 1: Republicans Sebastian Panioto and Jolene Lusitani
  • District 2: Republicans Jacqueline Olsen and Susan Tyler
  • District 3: Republicans Andrew Howe and Cheryl Thibeault

Bristol is represented in the Connecticut House of Representatives by state representatives Cara Pavalock D’Amato (R-77), Whit Betts (R-78), and Chris Ziogas (D-79). State Senator Henri Martin (R-31) represents Bristol in the Connecticut Senate. At the federal level, Bristol is in Connecticut's 1st congressional district and is currently represented by Democrat John B. Larson.

Education

Education in Bristol is conducted using seven elementary schools (grades kindergarten through five), two middle schools (grades six, seven and eight), and two high schools. In addition to these public schools, there are three private Catholic Schools, and one Lutheran School available. These add an additional three pre-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 test which students take statewide 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.

Schools in Bristol
Elementary schools Middle schools K-through-8 schools High schools
Bingham School
(closed June 2010)
Chippens Hill Middle School Saint Anthony School
(Closed June 2016)
Bristol Central High School
Edgewood School Memorial Boulevard Middle School
(Closed June 2012)
Saint Matthew School Bristol Eastern High School
Greene-Hills School Northeast Middle School Saint Joseph School St. Paul Catholic High School
Hubbell School Immanuel Lutheran School
Ivy Drive School
Jennings School
(closed June 2012)
Mountain View School
O'Connell School
(closed June 2012)
South Side School
Stafford School
West Bristol 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.

Media

The local daily newspaper is The Bristol Press, and town news is also featured in a small weekly called the Bristol Observer.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Bus

Bristol has a bus service that connects urban centers and hospitals with the rest of the city. It is part of the CTtransit system, which serves the Greater Hartford area.

Public safety

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 six emergency ambulances (including spares), two paramedic intercept vehicles and four wheelchair vans.

Fire department

The Bristol, Connecticut Fire Department is a full-service fire department with five engine companies (or stations) and one tower ladder 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 Police Department is a full-service police department with approximately 125 sworn officers. The Bristol Board of Police Commissioners consists of five members appointed by the Mayor who establish the primary policies of the police department. In addition to a vehicular patrol division, downtown Bristol is also policed by a bicycle division. During any shift, there may be as many as 12 officers on duty, not including detectives and officers from other divisions.

Notable people

Sister cities

Gallery

See also

References

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External links

[REDACTED] Media related to Bristol, Connecticut at Wikimedia Commons
Bristol, Connecticut travel guide from Wikivoyage

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