Settled in 1640 as part of Farmington, Plainville was a tranquil rural community for most of its early history. The 1828 opening of the New Haven-Northampton Canal transformed the town into a thriving commercial center. Since that time, Plainville has continued to enjoy industrial and commercial growth and developed into a manufacturing community with pleasant residential neighborhoods. Easy access to major urban areas via Interstate 84 adds to the appeal of Plainville.

Residences in town include older colonials, ranch styles, contemporary architecture, spacious apartments and condominium communities. Plainville’s fine qualities have also encouraged an increase in new home construction.

A wide assortment of valuable municipal services are offered to residents. Students enjoy a solid academic curriculum at three elementary schools, a recently constructed middle school, and a high school. Tennis, team sports, indoor and outdoor swimming and open play are just a sample of the leisure and sporting activities provided by Plainville’s enthusiastic recreation department. Civic and cultural organizations serve the needs of citizens of all ages, and the Plainville Historic Center, in Town Hall, houses a collection of records and memorabilia of early Plainville.

Norton Park has a new state-of-the-art swimming pool with several water slides and a wading pool for little ones. The pool is used exclusively by Plainville residents.  A new shopping center features major chain stores, a theatre with stadium seating and several restaurants.

Hartford County is a unique destination where country sunshine and outdoor adventures are just a short drive from the culture, excitement and entertainment of a capital city. Tour the home of writer Mark Twain or spend time mingling with over 5,000 years of art at the Wadsworth Atheneum. Or explore history when you tour the Old State House, the oldest in America. This special part of New England is filled with year-round vacation possibilities: romantic getaways, spring garden tours, summer concerts and fall foliage are all here in the 21 towns of Connecticut's Capital Getaway.

First settled in 1634, Hartford County is within easy driving distance of many area cities including Providence (77 miles), Boston (106 miles) and New York (129 miles).