Webster’s Schoolhouse

Life in the 1770s: The West Division of Hartford

In early America, West Hartford was called the West Division of Hartford.

Farming was important in the West Division during the 1700s & 1800s. There were hundreds of animals, like horses, cows, pigs, and oxen. Also, there were thousands of sheep in the West Division.¹ These animals were helpful to the people in this community. For example, people used wool from sheep to make clothes.

The soil in the West Division was perfect for growing crops, like apples and grain.² This soil also contained clay, which was used for making pottery. West Hartford clay was used to make everything from flower pots to tableware.³

In the West Division, people helped each other. Nobody could live alone. People traded with each other to get the food, tools, and supplies they needed.⁴

By the 1770s, the town was 100 years old. There were about 150 homes and 1,000 residents.⁵ Everyone played an important role in the community. 

The town had blacksmiths, schoolmasters, doctors, weavers, shoemakers, a minister, farmers, cabinetmakers, millers, servants and merchants. People had more than one role in the community. For example, Noah Webster’s father was both a weaver and a farmer. 

There were businesses in town like sawmills, gristmills, and blacksmith shops.⁶ The town’s schoolhouses, church, and local militia were open to everyone. Everyone could trade, including African Americans.⁷ Some of the African-Americans who lived in town were slaves or servants. Others were free. Many were farmers and some practiced trades.

Life in the West Division was not easy. People had to work hard everyday in order to survive. No matter how big or small their role, everyone played an important role in the success of the community.