Introduction to Hartfordby FROMMER'SNovember 20, 2006 Dissidents, fleeing the rigid religious dictates of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, founded Hartford in 1636. Three years later, they drafted what were called the "Fundamental Orders," the basis of a subsequent claim that Connecticut was the first political entity on earth to have a written constitution, hence the nickname "Constitution State." Unfortunately, Connecticut's capital and second-largest city endures a drooping uneasiness it hasn't been able to shake. There was hope for revival a few years ago when it appeared that the governor had persuaded the New England Patriots to move to downtown Hartford. A new stadium was to have been the centerpiece of a $1-billion, 35-acre riverfront development. At the last contractual minute, the Patriots exercised an escape clause, choosing to remain in the Boston area. While it is possible that parts of the plan will yet be realized, there was a great whoosh of despair when the balloon burst. (read article)