Who was the Reverend that led a group of Boston Puritans to establish Hartford in 1636?

The Reverend who led a group of Boston Puritans to establish Hartford in 1636 was Thomas Hooker. He is recognized for his strong beliefs in the principles of democracy and the need for government to be accountable to the people. Hooker believed that the Puritans in the Massachusetts Bay Colony were becoming too restrictive and oppressive in their governance, particularly concerning individual freedoms and religious practices. This belief prompted him to lead his congregation to Connecticut, where they could create a new settlement that aligned more closely with his vision of a more democratic government.

Hartford became one of the key settlements in the Connecticut River Valley and, under the Fundamental Orders of 1638, laid the groundwork for a government that allowed for wider suffrage than what was typical in other colonies. The establishment of Hartford is an important event in the narrative of the early American colonies as it reflects the evolving ideas about governance and the role of religion in society during this period.