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{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
'''Bolton''' is a town located in [[Tolland County, Connecticut]]. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 5,017.
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Bolton, Connecticut
| settlement_type = [[New England town|Town]]
| image_skyline = Bolton Green Historic District.JPG
| image_caption = [[Bolton Green Historic District]]
| image_flag =
| image_seal = BoltonCTseal.JPG
| motto = "A Town for All Seasons"
| image_map = {{switcher|[[File:Tolland County Connecticut Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Bolton Highlighted 2010.svg|250px|frameless|alt=Bolton's location within Tolland County and Connecticut]]| [[Tolland County, Connecticut|Tolland County]] and Connecticut|[[File:Capitol Region incorporated and unincorporated areas Bolton highlighted.svg|250px|frameless|alt=Bolton's location within the Capitol Planning Region and the state of Connecticut]]| [[Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut|Capitol Planning Region]] and Connecticut|default=1}}
| image_map1 = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=280|frame-height=200|frame-coord=SWITCH:{{coord|qid=Q2572280}}###{{coord|qid=Q779}}###{{coord|41|45|51|N|72|26|15|W}}|zoom=SWITCH:11;6;3|type=SWITCH:shape-inverse;point;point|marker=city|stroke-width=2|stroke-color=#000000|id2=SWITCH:Q2572280;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=Bolton;Connecticut;the United States}}
| coordinates = {{coord|41|45|51|N|72|26|15|W|region:US-CT|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{US}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state]]
| subdivision_name1 = {{flag|Connecticut}}
| subdivision_type2 = [[County (United States)|County]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Tolland County, Connecticut|Tolland]]
| subdivision_type3 = [[Councils of governments in Connecticut|Region]]
| subdivision_name3 = [[Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut|Capitol Region]]
| established_title = Incorporated
| established_date = 1720
| government_type = [[Board of selectmen|Selectman-town meeting]]
| leader_title = First selectman
| leader_name = Pam Sawyer (R)
| leader_title1 = Selectmen
| leader_name1 = Robert R. Morra (R)<br/>Michael W. Eremita (R)<br/>Kimberly A. Miller (D)<br/>Nicole Sullivan (D)
| unit_pref = Imperial
| area_total_km2 = 38.1
| area_total_sq_mi =
| area_land_km2 = 37.3
| area_land_sq_mi =
| area_water_km2 = 0.8
| area_water_sq_mi =
| elevation_m = 222
| elevation_ft = 728
| population_footnotes = <ref name="Census 2010">{{Cite web |url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/0600000US0901306260 |title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001): Bolton town, Tolland County, Connecticut |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |work=American Factfinder |access-date=March 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213155021/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/0600000US0901306260 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| population_total = 4858
| population_as_of = 2020
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_sq_mi =
| timezone = [[Eastern Standard Time Zone|Eastern]]
| utc_offset = &minus;5
| timezone_DST = [[Eastern Standard Time Zone|Eastern]]
| utc_offset_DST = &minus;4
| postal_code_type = [[ZIP Code]]
| postal_code = 06043
| area_code = [[Area codes 860 and 959|860/959]]
| blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standards|FIPS code]]
| blank_info = 09-06260
| blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info = 0213393
| blank3_name = List of auxiliary Interstate Highways
| blank3_info = [[File:I-384.svg|25px|link=Interstate 384]]
| blank4_name = U.S. Highways
| blank4_info = [[File:US 6.svg|25px|link=U.S. Route 6 in Connecticut]] [[File:US 44.svg|25px|link=U.S. Route 44]]
| blank5_name = State Routes
| blank5_info = [[File:Connecticut Highway 85.svg|25px|link=CT 85]]
| website = {{URL|https://town.boltonct.org}}
}}
'''Bolton''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|oʊ|l|t|ə|n}} {{respell|BOHL|tən}}) is a small rural [[New England town|town]] in [[Tolland County, Connecticut]], United States. The population was 4,858 as of the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]].<ref name="Census 2020">{{Cite web |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=0600000US0901306260|title=Census - Geography Profile: Bolton town, Tolland County, Connecticut |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=November 26, 2021}}</ref> Bolton was incorporated in October 1720 and is governed by [[town meeting]], with a first selectman and board of selectman as well as other boards serving specific functions. Bolton was named after a town of the same name in [[England]], also located near Manchester.<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|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427213546/https://books.google.com/books?id=qoEyAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA331|archive-date=April 27, 2018}}</ref>


==History==
Bolton was incorporated in October 1720 and is governed by [[town meeting]].


[[Image:March route of Rochambeaus army.jpg|thumb|left|Encampment site with Rose's Farm in background]]
The town high school is well-reputed within the state despite its relatively small enrollment (<400 students). The high school is affiliated with the NCC athletic conference.


Originally part of the town of [[Hartford, Connecticut|Hartford]], the area was referred to as Hartford Mountains or Hanover, until incorporation in October 1720. On November 11, 1723, [[Jonathan Edwards (theologian)|Jonathan Edwards]] was installed as the pastor of Bolton.<ref name="Marsden2004">{{cite book|author=George M. Marsden|title=Jonathan Edwards: A Life|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SeGd_Ry34_MC|access-date=October 17, 2010|date=July 11, 2004|publisher=Yale University Press|isbn=978-0-300-10596-4|page=95}}</ref>
Route 6, one of the most dangerous roads in the nation, splits the town in half. Despite attempts to re-route the highway for decades, no concensus has been able to pass during the last four decades.


Bolton was known for its high quality schist stone in the 18th century, and many tombstone carvers such as [[Gershom Bartlett]] and Jonathan Loomis sourced their stone from Bolton quarries.
Bolton, CT is home to NHL star Ron Hainsey, the 1st Round Pick of the Canadiens and the current defensemen for the Blue Jackets.


Bolton was removed from [[Hartford County, Connecticut|Hartford County]] when Tolland County was originally formed on October 13, 1785. The northern half of Bolton was set aside in 1808 to form the town of [[Vernon, Connecticut|Vernon]]. Quarries played a significant role in the area's developing economy, and Bolton Notch became the location of the small community of Quarryville. Prior to the railroad, granite was taken by oxcart to the Connecticut River where it was then shipped to major cities on the East Coast.
==History==
In 1723, Jonathan Edwards was installed as Bolton's first pastor.


The Bolton historical society has been actively purchasing sites throughout the town in their effort to preserve the town's history and rural character. The most recent of these purchases was Rose's Farm, a several hundred-acre site where the [[Comte de Rochambeau]] camped with his troops.
In 1781, George Washington stayed at a home in Bolton. Later that year, the French army passed through the town.

Bolton has several restrictive ordinances designed to protect high housing prices for existing homeowners and to restrict new construction. Ordinances protecting existing businesses from competition also exist, such as those limiting the types and number of businesses. There is also a requirement that all new residential lots be no smaller than one acre, further keeping house prices artificially higher than they otherwise would likely be. The town features numerous parks, open spaces and trails.<ref>Town Resident</ref>

[[Interstate 84 in Connecticut#1970s route east of Hartford|Interstate 84]] was originally planned to cut through the town on its way to [[Providence, Rhode Island|Providence]], going through Bolton Notch and the [[Hop River]] valley. Due to environmental concerns in both Rhode Island and in the Hop River valley, the highway would be cancelled in 1983. The segment that was built beforehand in the northwestern section of town, from [[Connecticut Route 85|CT 85]] to [[U.S. Route 6 in Connecticut|US 6]]/[[U.S. Route 44#Connecticut|US 44]] would be redesignated at [[Interstate 384]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Connecticut I-384 |url=https://www.kurumi.com/roads/ct/i384.html |access-date=February 27, 2023 |website=www.kurumi.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=From Hartford to Providence |url=https://www.kurumi.com/roads/ct/harttoprov.html |access-date=February 27, 2023 |website=www.kurumi.com}}</ref>

Bolton today is primarily residential with an economy made up mostly of small businesses. It is part of the [[Greater Hartford|Greater Hartford metro]] and contains many suburban homes, especially in its western side.

===Climate===

Bolton, like much of [[Tolland County, Connecticut|Tolland County]], straddles the [[humid continental climate]] (Dfa) and (Dfb) line.

{{Weather box
|location = Bolton, Connecticut
|single line = y
|Jan record high F = 64
|Feb record high F = 69
|Mar record high F = 83
|Apr record high F = 93
|May record high F = 92
|Jun record high F = 96
|Jul record high F = 97
|Aug record high F = 96
|Sep record high F = 96
|Oct record high F = 86
|Nov record high F = 78
|Dec record high F = 71
|year record high F= 97
|Jan high F = 35
|Feb high F = 38
|Mar high F = 47
|Apr high F = 58
|May high F = 69
|Jun high F = 76
|Jul high F = 81
|Aug high F = 80
|Sep high F = 72
|Oct high F = 62
|Nov high F = 51
|Dec high F = 40
|year high F=
|Jan low F = 13
|Feb low F = 15
|Mar low F = 24
|Apr low F = 33
|May low F = 43
|Jun low F = 52
|Jul low F = 57
|Aug low F = 56
|Sep low F = 46
|Oct low F = 35
|Nov low F = 29
|Dec low F = 20
|year low F=
|Jan record low F = −32
|Feb record low F = −27
|Mar record low F = −24
|Apr record low F = 4
|May record low F = 20
|Jun record low F = 27
|Jul record low F = 34
|Aug record low F = 28
|Sep record low F = 19
|Oct record low F = 13
|Nov record low F = -5
|Dec record low F = −19
|year record low F= −32
|Jan precipitation inch = 4.38
|Feb precipitation inch = 3.11
|Mar precipitation inch = 4.32
|Apr precipitation inch = 4.54
|May precipitation inch = 3.96
|Jun precipitation inch = 4.25
|Jul precipitation inch = 4.08
|Aug precipitation inch = 4.07
|Sep precipitation inch = 4.54
|Oct precipitation inch = 4.56
|Nov precipitation inch = 4.64
|Dec precipitation inch = 4.02
|year precipitation inch= 50.47
|source = The Weather Channel (Historical Monthly Averages)<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/06043
|title = Climate Statistics for Bolton, CT
|access-date = January 5, 2014
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040418/http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/06043
|archive-date = January 6, 2014
}}</ref>
}}

==Education==

[[Bolton High School (Connecticut)|Bolton High School]] is a public school with about two to three hundred students. It underwent major renovations and expansion during 2011, including a new outdoor seating area for the cafeteria, a larger and more technologically advanced library, computer labs and media center, and a new science wing and larger administrative offices. Several other improvements were made including parking, bus lanes and the board of education offices being moved to the location.

The school has a student-teacher ratio of about 12:1 and a combined math and reading proficiency level of 92.5%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/connecticut/districts/bolton-school-district/bolton-high-school-4416 |title=Bolton High School in Bolton, CT &#124; US News Best High Schools |access-date=August 24, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330044003/https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/connecticut/districts/bolton-school-district/bolton-high-school-4416 |archive-date=March 30, 2017 }}</ref> ''U.S. News & World Report'' ranked it #27 in Connecticut and #1030 in the United States, and it earned a Silver Award in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boltonpublicschools.com/bhs/site/files/usnew2012.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=August 17, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831085636/http://boltonpublicschools.com/bhs/site/files/usnew2012.pdf |archive-date=August 31, 2013 }}</ref>

Bolton High is affiliated with the NCCC athletic conference.


==Geography==
==Geography==

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of 38.0 [[square kilometer|km²]] (14.7 [[square mile|mi²]]). 37.3 km² (14.4 mi²) of it is land and 0.7 km² (0.3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.91% water.
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|14.7|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|14.4|sqmi|km2}} is land and {{convert|0.3|sqmi|km2}} (1.91%) is water. This includes the [[Bolton Green Historic District]] and may include land owned or leased by the State of Connecticut and the U.S. federal government. Bolton does not have any unincorporated land {{cn|date=May 2024}}.


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
As of the [[census]][[Geographic references#2|<sup>2</sup>]] of 2000, there were 5,017 people, 1,906 households, and 1,442 families residing in the town. The [[population density]] was 134.4/km² (348.2/mi²). There were 1,969 housing units at an average density of 52.8/km² (136.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.73% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.66% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.06% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.48% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.04% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.30% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 0.74% from two or more races. 1.65% of the population were [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race.


{{US Census population
There were 1,906 households out of which 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.4% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.3% were non-families. 19.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.06.
|1820= 731
|1850= 600
|1860= 683
|1870= 576
|1880= 512
|1890= 452
|1900= 457
|1910= 433
|1920= 448
|1930= 504
|1940= 728
|1950= 1279
|1960= 2933
|1970= 3691
|1980= 3951
|1990= 4575
|2000= 5017
|2010= 4980
|2020= 4858
|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 |publisher=Census.gov |access-date=June 4, 2015 }}</ref>
}}
{{See also|List of Connecticut locations by per capita income}}
As of the [[census]] of 2010, there were 4,980 people, 1,915 households, and 1,438 families residing in the town.<ref name="Census 2010 DP">{{Cite web |url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/SF1DP1/0600000US0901306260 |title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001): Bolton town, Tolland County, Connecticut |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |work=American Factfinder |access-date=March 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213234851/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/SF1DP1/0600000US0901306260 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The town's residents are primarily middle-class, with some working class and upper middle-class families/individuals and small businesses. There are also a few larger commercial entities, notably the [[Simoniz]] corporation, specializing in automotive and car wash cleaning supplies.


The [[population density]] in 2010 was 346 people per square mile (133.5/km{{sup|2}}). There were 2,015 housing units in the town, of which 100, or 5.0%, were vacant. 86.7% of the occupied units are owned and 13.3% are rented.<ref name="Census 2010 DP"/>
In the town the population was spread out with 26.0% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 29.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 95.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.5 males.


The racial makeup of the town was 95.7% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 1.1% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.1% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.4% [[Asian (U.S. census)|Asian]], 0.2% some other race, and 1.5% two or more races. 3.00% of the population identified as [[Latino (U.S. census)|Latino]] or [[Hispanic (U.S. census)|Hispanic]] of any race (the US Census Bureau does not consider Latino a race).<ref name="Census 2010 DP"/>


The [[median age]] in 2010 was 45.4. 49.4% of the population were male and 50.6% female.<ref name="Census 2010 DP"/>
The median income for a household in the town was $67,394, and the median income for a family was $78,933. Males had a median income of $50,847 versus $38,140 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $29,205. 2.6% of the population and 2.5% of families were below the [[poverty line]]. 1.4% of those under the age of 18 and 5.9% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.


For the period 2012–2016, the estimated [[median household income]] was $91,087, and the median family income was $118,958. About 3.2% of the population are living below the poverty line.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/16_5YR/DP03/0600000US0901306260 |title=Selected Economic Characteristics: 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (DP03): Bolton town, Tolland County, Connecticut |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |work=American Factfinder |access-date=March 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213155932/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/16_5YR/DP03/0600000US0901306260 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Reference and External Links==
[http://www.boltonnews.org Bolton Community News]


{| class=wikitable
[[Category:Tolland County, Connecticut]]
! colspan = 6 | Voter registration and party enrollment {{as of|2019|October|29|lc=y|df=}}<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|access-date=February 17, 2020}}</ref>
[[Category:Towns in Connecticut]]
|-
! colspan = 2 | Party
! Active voters
! Inactive voters
! Total voters
! Percentage
|-
| {{party color cell|Democratic Party (United States)}}
| [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| align = center | 1,047
| align = center | 68
| align = center | 1,115
| align = center | 29.84%
|-
| {{party color cell|Republican Party (United States)}}
| [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| align = center | 975
| align = center | 63
| align = center | 1,038
| align = center | 27.78%
|-
| {{party color cell|Independent Party (United States)}}
| [[Independent voter|Unaffiliated]]
| align = center | 1,408
| align = center | 109
| align = center | 1,517
| align = center | 40.60%
|-
| {{party color cell|Libertarian Party (United States)}}
| Minor Parties
| align = center | 59
| align = center | 7
| align = center | 66
| align = center | 1.76%
|-
! colspan = 2 | Total
! align = center | 3,489
! align = center | 247
! align = center | 3,736
! align = center | 100%
|}
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="4" |Presidential Election Results<ref>{{Cite web|title=General Election Statements of Vote, 1922 – Current|url=https://authoring.ct.gov//SOTS/Election-Services/Statement-Of-Vote-PDFs/General-Elections-Statement-of-Vote-1922|access-date=July 10, 2020|website=CT Secretary of State}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Election Night Reporting|url=https://ctemspublic.pcctg.net/#/selectTown|access-date=December 16, 2020|website=CT Secretary of State}}</ref>
|-
!Year
![[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
![[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
![[Third party (United States)|Third Parties]]
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2020 United States presidential election|2020]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''52.5%''' ''1,727''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|45.1% ''1,482''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|2.4% ''79''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[2016 United States presidential election|2016]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|46.4% ''1,385''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''48.0%''' ''1,436''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|5.6% ''169''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[2012 United States presidential election|2012]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|49.24% ''1,433''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''49.26%''' ''1,434''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.5% ''44''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2008 United States presidential election|2008]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''55.7%''' ''1,692''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|42.6% ''1,300''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.7% ''54''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2004 United States presidential election|2004]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''50.5%''' 1,542
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|47.7% ''1,459''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.8% ''56''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2000 United States presidential election|2000]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''49.3%''' ''1,368''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|45.0% ''1,210''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|5.7% ''159''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1996 United States presidential election|1996]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''47.6%''' ''1,210''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|37.9% ''964''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|14.5% ''369''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1992 United States presidential election|1992]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''36.7%''' ''1,023''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|34.9% ''976''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|28.4% ''792''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1988 United States presidential election|1988]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|42.7% ''972''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''55.9%''' ''1,278''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.4% ''33''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1984 United States presidential election|1984]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|32.8% ''699''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''66.9%''' ''1,430''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.3% ''8''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1980 United States presidential election|1980]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|33.5% ''665''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''48.5%''' ''964''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|18.0% ''359''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1976 United States presidential election|1976]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|42.5% ''817''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''57.0%''' ''1,097''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.5% ''10''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1972 United States presidential election|1972]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|35.1% ''668''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''64.2%''' ''1,226''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.7% ''15''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1968 United States presidential election|1968]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|38.8% ''630''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''55.4%''' ''904''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|5.8% ''96''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1964 United States presidential election|1964]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''59.5%''' ''859''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|40.5% ''586''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.00% ''0''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1960 United States presidential election|1960]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|37.3% ''524''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''62.7%''' ''880''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.00% ''0''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1956 United States presidential election|1956]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|26.0% ''311''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''74.0%''' ''888''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.00% ''0''
|}


==Notable people==
[[sv:Bolton, Connecticut]]

* [[Aloysius Ahearn]], teacher and member of the [[Connecticut House of Representatives]] (1975–1977, 1979–1981)<ref name=hc>{{cite news |title=Aloysius J. Ahearn obituary |url=https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/hartfordcourant/obituary.aspx?pid=196137906 |work=[[Hartford Courant]] |date=May 5, 2020 |access-date=May 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525110738/https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/hartfordcourant/obituary.aspx?pid=196137906 |archive-date=May 25, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Ralph Earl]], artist and portrait painter; died in Bolton in 1801
* [[Ron Hainsey]], [[NHL]] alternate captain and defenseman for the [[Ottawa Senators]] and [[Stanley Cup]] champion
* [[Simeon Olcott]], [[US Senator]] from New Hampshire; born in Bolton in 1735
* [[Julius L. Strong]] (1828–1872), U.S. Congressman
* [[George G. Sumner]], politician; Connecticut House of Representative for Bolton; Mayor of Hartford; Lieutenant Governor and Governor of Connecticut; a native of Bolton
* [[William Williams (New York)|William Williams]], born in Bolton on September 6, 1815

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Portal|Connecticut}}
*[https://town.boltonct.org/ Town website]
*[http://www.boltonpublicschools.com/ Bolton Public Schools]
*[http://www.boltoncthistory.org Bolton Historical Society]

{{Connecticut}}
{{Tolland County, Connecticut}}
{{Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut}}
{{Greater Hartford}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Bolton, Connecticut| ]]
[[Category:Towns in Tolland County, Connecticut]]
[[Category:Towns in Connecticut]]
[[Category:Greater Hartford]]
[[Category:Towns in Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut]]

Latest revision as of 13:09, 19 August 2024

Bolton, Connecticut
Town
Bolton Green Historic District
Bolton Green Historic District
Official seal of Bolton, Connecticut
Seal
Motto: 
"A Town for All Seasons"
Bolton's location within Tolland County and Connecticut
Bolton's location within the Capitol Planning Region and the state of Connecticut
Map
Map
Map
Coordinates: 41°45′51″N 72°26′15″W / 41.76417°N 72.43750°W / 41.76417; -72.43750
Country United States
U.S. state Connecticut
CountyTolland
RegionCapitol Region
Incorporated1720
Government
 • TypeSelectman-town meeting
 • First selectmanPam Sawyer (R)
 • SelectmenRobert R. Morra (R)
Michael W. Eremita (R)
Kimberly A. Miller (D)
Nicole Sullivan (D)
Area
 • Total
14.7 sq mi (38.1 km2)
 • Land14.4 sq mi (37.3 km2)
 • Water0.3 sq mi (0.8 km2)
Elevation
728 ft (222 m)
Population
 (2020)[1]
 • Total
4,858
 • Density330/sq mi (130/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (Eastern)
ZIP Code
06043
Area code(s)860/959
FIPS code09-06260
GNIS feature ID0213393
List of auxiliary Interstate Highways
U.S. Highways
State Routes
Websitetown.boltonct.org

Bolton (/ˈboʊltən/ BOHL-tən) is a small rural town in Tolland County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 4,858 as of the 2020 census.[2] Bolton was incorporated in October 1720 and is governed by town meeting, with a first selectman and board of selectman as well as other boards serving specific functions. Bolton was named after a town of the same name in England, also located near Manchester.[3]

History

[edit]
Encampment site with Rose's Farm in background

Originally part of the town of Hartford, the area was referred to as Hartford Mountains or Hanover, until incorporation in October 1720. On November 11, 1723, Jonathan Edwards was installed as the pastor of Bolton.[4]

Bolton was known for its high quality schist stone in the 18th century, and many tombstone carvers such as Gershom Bartlett and Jonathan Loomis sourced their stone from Bolton quarries.

Bolton was removed from Hartford County when Tolland County was originally formed on October 13, 1785. The northern half of Bolton was set aside in 1808 to form the town of Vernon. Quarries played a significant role in the area's developing economy, and Bolton Notch became the location of the small community of Quarryville. Prior to the railroad, granite was taken by oxcart to the Connecticut River where it was then shipped to major cities on the East Coast.

The Bolton historical society has been actively purchasing sites throughout the town in their effort to preserve the town's history and rural character. The most recent of these purchases was Rose's Farm, a several hundred-acre site where the Comte de Rochambeau camped with his troops.

Bolton has several restrictive ordinances designed to protect high housing prices for existing homeowners and to restrict new construction. Ordinances protecting existing businesses from competition also exist, such as those limiting the types and number of businesses. There is also a requirement that all new residential lots be no smaller than one acre, further keeping house prices artificially higher than they otherwise would likely be. The town features numerous parks, open spaces and trails.[5]

Interstate 84 was originally planned to cut through the town on its way to Providence, going through Bolton Notch and the Hop River valley. Due to environmental concerns in both Rhode Island and in the Hop River valley, the highway would be cancelled in 1983. The segment that was built beforehand in the northwestern section of town, from CT 85 to US 6/US 44 would be redesignated at Interstate 384.[6][7]

Bolton today is primarily residential with an economy made up mostly of small businesses. It is part of the Greater Hartford metro and contains many suburban homes, especially in its western side.

Climate

[edit]

Bolton, like much of Tolland County, straddles the humid continental climate (Dfa) and (Dfb) line.

Climate data for Bolton, Connecticut
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 64
(18) 		69
(21) 		83
(28) 		93
(34) 		92
(33) 		96
(36) 		97
(36) 		96
(36) 		96
(36) 		86
(30) 		78
(26) 		71
(22) 		97
(36)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 35
(2) 		38
(3) 		47
(8) 		58
(14) 		69
(21) 		76
(24) 		81
(27) 		80
(27) 		72
(22) 		62
(17) 		51
(11) 		40
(4) 		59
(15)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 13
(−11) 		15
(−9) 		24
(−4) 		33
(1) 		43
(6) 		52
(11) 		57
(14) 		56
(13) 		46
(8) 		35
(2) 		29
(−2) 		20
(−7) 		35
(2)
Record low °F (°C) −32
(−36) 		−27
(−33) 		−24
(−31) 		4
(−16) 		20
(−7) 		27
(−3) 		34
(1) 		28
(−2) 		19
(−7) 		13
(−11) 		−5
(−21) 		−19
(−28) 		−32
(−36)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 4.38
(111) 		3.11
(79) 		4.32
(110) 		4.54
(115) 		3.96
(101) 		4.25
(108) 		4.08
(104) 		4.07
(103) 		4.54
(115) 		4.56
(116) 		4.64
(118) 		4.02
(102) 		50.47
(1,282)
Source: The Weather Channel (Historical Monthly Averages)[8]

Education

[edit]

Bolton High School is a public school with about two to three hundred students. It underwent major renovations and expansion during 2011, including a new outdoor seating area for the cafeteria, a larger and more technologically advanced library, computer labs and media center, and a new science wing and larger administrative offices. Several other improvements were made including parking, bus lanes and the board of education offices being moved to the location.

The school has a student-teacher ratio of about 12:1 and a combined math and reading proficiency level of 92.5%.[9] U.S. News & World Report ranked it #27 in Connecticut and #1030 in the United States, and it earned a Silver Award in 2012.[10]

Bolton High is affiliated with the NCCC athletic conference.

Geography

[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 14.7 square miles (38 km2), of which 14.4 square miles (37 km2) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km2) (1.91%) is water. This includes the Bolton Green Historic District and may include land owned or leased by the State of Connecticut and the U.S. federal government. Bolton does not have any unincorporated land [citation needed].

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1820731—
1850600—
186068313.8%
1870576−15.7%
1880512−11.1%
1890452−11.7%
19004571.1%
1910433−5.3%
19204483.5%
193050412.5%
194072844.4%
19501,27975.7%
19602,933129.3%
19703,69125.8%
19803,9517.0%
19904,57515.8%
20005,0179.7%
20104,980−0.7%
20204,858−2.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[11]
See also: List of Connecticut locations by per capita income

As of the census of 2010, there were 4,980 people, 1,915 households, and 1,438 families residing in the town.[12] The town's residents are primarily middle-class, with some working class and upper middle-class families/individuals and small businesses. There are also a few larger commercial entities, notably the Simoniz corporation, specializing in automotive and car wash cleaning supplies.

The population density in 2010 was 346 people per square mile (133.5/km2). There were 2,015 housing units in the town, of which 100, or 5.0%, were vacant. 86.7% of the occupied units are owned and 13.3% are rented.[12]

The racial makeup of the town was 95.7% White, 1.1% African American, 0.1% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.2% some other race, and 1.5% two or more races. 3.00% of the population identified as Latino or Hispanic of any race (the US Census Bureau does not consider Latino a race).[12]

The median age in 2010 was 45.4. 49.4% of the population were male and 50.6% female.[12]

For the period 2012–2016, the estimated median household income was $91,087, and the median family income was $118,958. About 3.2% of the population are living below the poverty line.[13]

Voter registration and party enrollment as of 29 October 2019[14]
Party Active voters Inactive voters Total voters Percentage
Democratic 1,047 68 1,115 29.84%
Republican 975 63 1,038 27.78%
Unaffiliated 1,408 109 1,517 40.60%
Minor Parties 59 7 66 1.76%
Total 3,489 247 3,736 100%
Presidential Election Results[15][16]
Year Democratic Republican Third Parties
2020 52.5% 1,727 45.1% 1,482 2.4% 79
2016 46.4% 1,385 48.0% 1,436 5.6% 169
2012 49.24% 1,433 49.26% 1,434 1.5% 44
2008 55.7% 1,692 42.6% 1,300 1.7% 54
2004 50.5% 1,542 47.7% 1,459 1.8% 56
2000 49.3% 1,368 45.0% 1,210 5.7% 159
1996 47.6% 1,210 37.9% 964 14.5% 369
1992 36.7% 1,023 34.9% 976 28.4% 792
1988 42.7% 972 55.9% 1,278 1.4% 33
1984 32.8% 699 66.9% 1,430 0.3% 8
1980 33.5% 665 48.5% 964 18.0% 359
1976 42.5% 817 57.0% 1,097 0.5% 10
1972 35.1% 668 64.2% 1,226 0.7% 15
1968 38.8% 630 55.4% 904 5.8% 96
1964 59.5% 859 40.5% 586 0.00% 0
1960 37.3% 524 62.7% 880 0.00% 0
1956 26.0% 311 74.0% 888 0.00% 0

Notable people

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001): Bolton town, Tolland County, Connecticut". American Factfinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  2. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Bolton town, Tolland County, Connecticut". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
  3. ^ The Connecticut Magazine: An Illustrated Monthly. Connecticut Magazine Company. 1903. p. 331. Archived from the original on April 27, 2018.
  4. ^ George M. Marsden (July 11, 2004). Jonathan Edwards: A Life. Yale University Press. p. 95. ISBN 978-0-300-10596-4. Retrieved October 17, 2010.
  5. ^ Town Resident
  6. ^ "Connecticut I-384". www.kurumi.com. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  7. ^ "From Hartford to Providence". www.kurumi.com. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  8. ^ "Climate Statistics for Bolton, CT". Archived from the original on January 6, 2014. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
  9. ^ "Bolton High School in Bolton, CT | US News Best High Schools". Archived from the original on March 30, 2017. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
  10. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on August 31, 2013. Retrieved August 17, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  11. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  12. ^ a b c d "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001): Bolton town, Tolland County, Connecticut". American Factfinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  13. ^ "Selected Economic Characteristics: 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (DP03): Bolton town, Tolland County, Connecticut". American Factfinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  14. ^ "Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of October 29, 2019" (PDF). Connecticut Secretary of State. Retrieved February 17, 2020.
  15. ^ "General Election Statements of Vote, 1922 – Current". CT Secretary of State. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  16. ^ "Election Night Reporting". CT Secretary of State. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  17. ^ "Aloysius J. Ahearn obituary". Hartford Courant. May 5, 2020. Archived from the original on May 25, 2020. Retrieved May 25, 2020.
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