Hamden Historical Marker

What do Henry Ford’s use of assembly line production, Samuel Colt’s popularization of interchangeable parts, and Philadelphia’s Betsy Ross Bridge have in common? The answer is Hamden, CT.
This is a two-​sided marker from the CT Historical Commission in the familiar white lettering on a blue background. It has the same inscription on both sides, and is located in the heart of Hamden in a small grassy area at the busy intersection of Dixwell Avenue and Whitney Avenue.
It’s in excellent condition with a bright blue background and crisp white lettering. The marker is dated 1973, so I wonder if it was replaced somewhere along the way?
The inscription reads:
Hamden
Incorporated in 1786, this town was originally part of New Haven and was named for John Hampden, noted English statesman. In 1798, at the foot of Lake Whitney, Eli Whitney pioneered in the use of interchangeable parts in the manufacture of arms for the United States Government and created the American concept of assembly line production. The first truss bridge in the United States, constructed after the patented design of Ithiel Town, eminent architect, was erected in Whitneyville in 1823. The Farmington Canal, 1825 — 1848, traversed the entire length of Hamden and evidence of it still exists in the Mount Carmel area.
Erected by The Hamden Historical Society, Inc.
and the Connecticut Historical Commission
1973