About Bristol Connecticut

Seventeen miles west of Connecticut's capital city lies a genuine gem of a town. Bristol was once the nation's leader in clock and watch making and a major producer of brass and other alloys. The city's landscaped public parks and rich architectural heritage attest to the uncommon wealth once generated by the busy area factories.

What are all those satellite dishes dotting the landscape? Alas, even Bristol has entered the Information Age, but in a typically energetic and unique fashion: ESPN chose to locate its World Headquarters here. The town's museums, festivals, quiet lifestyle and proximity to Hartford are attractive to businesses and residents alike. Another consequence of the postindustrial age is the development of the bedroom community, and Bristol has felt an influx of urbanites looking to put a little distance between themselves and big-city blues. But development is closely monitored to maintain some of the classic small-town charms of Bristol.

The City of Bristol town seal was designed in 1911 by councilors, S. J. Large and H. G. Arms. Emblematic of the early history of the town, the seal represents the face of a clock since Bristol was the first town in the country to manufacture clocks in 1790. On the outer circle of the seal are the words, "* CITY OF BRISTOL * CONNECTICUT." The inner circle is a clock dial with the letters "B R I S T O L C O N N *" marking the numerals on the face of the dial. Pictured in the center is the First Congregational Church established in 1742 and remembered as the first church erected in Bristol. Above it in a semi-circle is the word "S E A L".

For an in depth look at Bristol Connecticut please visit the State of CT city resource web site. This site list all facets of government, phone numbers, and general city wide public facilities.