The Travelers Tower

The Travelers Tower is the most iconic building in the Hartford skyline. Even the Hindenburg flew by the tower to check it out. Built in 1919, the tower was the seventh tallest building in the world when it was constructed. The Travelers Tower was the first building outside of New York City to be over 500 feet tall and was for many years the tallest building in New England. At 527 feet tall, it is currently the second tallest building in Hartford, only City Place I at 535 feet is taller.

The Travelers is of course a historic insurance company having been founded in Hartford in 1864. The Travelers had many insurance industry firsts, including the first automobile, commercial airline, and space travel insurance policies. The red umbrella, one of which can be seen outside the building in downtown, is one of advertisings oldest logos having first been used in 1870.

While the Travelers Tower has been the work home of thousands of Hartford area residents over the decades, today it is the home of Amelia, a peregrine falcons who has nested outside the 21st floor since 1997. (She saw a real estate opportunity after the Whalers left town.) Amelia has had eight children while living at the Travelers Tower. You can learn out Amelia and try and get a glimpse on the live Falcon Cam at the Peregrine Watch website here.