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is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 2,686 at the 2000 census. Collinsville is located in the southeastern part of Canton, CT and was built around
a world renowned manufacturer of edge tools, such as; axes, machetes, picks and knives. Their machetes were the brand of choice in South America. Collins tools were used almost exclusively for the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railroad and axes and picks made their way across the country to be used in the California Gold Rush. Admiral Peary carried Collins tools to the North Pole.
Typical of New England mills, the Collins Company axe factory was sited on a river and their production was powered by utilizing the water's strength to turn turbines and power machines. The numerous old buildings ramble along the riverbanks intertwined by an intricate maze of sluices that run throughout the site. The company closed its doors in 1966, but the factory buildings are now home to an eclectic and constantly changing mixture of tenants, including antique sellers, offices, artists' studios, woodworkers and a dance studio. The ambiance of Main Street reflects period architecture with ornate details from the turn of the century.
According to historian Diana Muir writing in Reflections in Bullough's Pond, it was in Collinsville that Elisha Root invented the important industrial technique of die casting. Root was employed by Samuel W. Collins, whose Collins and Company Works was the largest manufacturer of axes in the nineteenth century.
in the historic town. The Parade is held on the last Saturday of October at 7 p.m. Children's activities begin at 6pm. To learn more about the event, go to
Recently a tattoo shop was opened, occupying the space below the LaSalle Restaurant where the Hartford Armory was, and directly next to the music store, Downright Music. This shop was a source of some level of media attention as well as speculation within the town.
to visit in the U.S. in an article in a September issue of Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel magazine.