Travelers Tower

The Travelers Tower is located in Hartford and stretches taller into the city's sky than nearly any other building. When it was built in 1919, it was the seventh tallest building in the country. Today, it is the second tallest building in the city of Hartford. It reaches nearly 530 feet and has 24 stories. The building was designed by architect Donn Barber who was also responsible for the design of the Connecticut States Library building, the Hartford Times building and the Supreme Court Building. The building is called the Travelers Tower because it serves as the headquarters for the Travelers Insurance Company. Travelers was founded in 1863 by James Goodwin Batterson and was the first casualty insurance company in North America. The tower is centered between two other buildings and actually rises from the tenth floor of those buildings. There is an observation deck at the twenty-seventh story. The tower is known as the home of local Peregrine Falcons and features web cameras that allow people to view the falcons in their nests. Peregrine Falcons are listed on the endangered species list, so scientists are especially interested in protecting this nesting environment. Those visiting Hartford can take a trip onto the observation deck and possibly catch a view of the falcons in person.