[6] Located in the northeast central portion of the state, the small farming community underwent a dramatic 15-year economic boom beginning in the late 1880s.

However, manufacturing hubs such as Muncie and Marion suffered the collapse of their economies during industrial restructuring when large factories closed.

[7] Younger people leave to attend college and pursue professional careers outside the scope of those available in Hartford City.

Hartford City, Indiana began in the late 1830s as a few log cabins clustered near a creek.

Folklore taught in local elementary schools suggests that Hartford City was originally known as "Hart's ford," a place to cross Lick Creek.

[9] During the last half of the 19th century, East Central Indiana consisted mostly of rural farming communities, including Hartford City.

The town's population did not exceed 2,000 until after 1887, when the region began to grow because of the Indiana Gas Boom.

[10] Hartford City's population tripled in the next decade, as manufacturers were lured to the region to take advantage of low costs for land and the natural gas.

There are four distinct seasons, with winters being cold with moderate snowfall, while summers can be warm and humid.

Average monthly precipitation ranges from about 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 centimetres), with the heaviest occurring during June, July, and August.

This makes the transportation equipment industry the most important provider of jobs for the city, although there are no auto parts plants located in the county.

[20] Currently, there are six businesses located in Hartford City that employ between 100 and 350 people, and none with more than 350 employees.

[22] The Blackford County Courthouse and First Presbyterian Church are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

[23] Adding to the historical atmosphere, the courthouse lawn contains war monuments on each corner.

The town has a small museum and library housed in the Blackford County Historical Society building.

This park features campgrounds, hiking trails, a beach, the Potawatomi Inn, and a toboggan track.

[29] Hartford City sports leagues include baseball, softball, soccer, and football.

Hartford City High School won 14 sectional and 3 regional tournaments in about 60 years of action.

The Indiana Farm Bureau office for Blackford County is located in Hartford City.

The local daily (except Sunday) newspaper is the News Times, and it is also available from its web site.

[37] There are at least fourteen radio stations that send moderate to very strong signals to the Hartford City area.

Indianapolis television stations such as WTTV, WRTV, WISH-TV, WTHR, and others, reach the antennas of households in Hartford City.

Stations located near Hartford City include Tipton's WJSJ-CD, Marion's WSOT-LD, and Muncie's WIPB.

[41] Blackford High School is located on the north side of Hartford City, and it has served the entire county since 1969.

Hartford City Middle School is located on the town's west side, within easy walking distance from Sigma Phi Gamma Park.

[45] Although Interstate 69 does not run through Hartford City or Blackford County, it is less than 10 miles (16 km) away and a convenient way to drive to Fort Wayne or Indianapolis.

From Hartford City, drive west on State Road 26 to reach Interstate 69.

The Interstate's northbound exit 259, at Upland, is an easy route to travel to the north side of Hartford City.