Connecticut – History, Facts and Quotes

Connecticut is small, but a very historically rich state in the United States. It is located in the Northeast region of the country called New England. Connecticut is home to several large and historic universities, including Yale University, and was part of the American Revolution as one of the thirteen colonies rebelling against British rule. Although Connecticut is small, it is densely populated, has lots of interesting sites and attractions, and is home to some of America’s most important and influential companies, colleges, and historical personages.

Connecticut Facts

Connecticut was founded in 1636 by Thomas Hooker, a Puritan minister who moved from Boston to what is now Hartford, Connecticut. New Haven, a city south of Hartford, was founded in 1637. This makes Connecticut one of the oldest colonies and states. Connecticut is densely populated, and in 2010 had a population of over 3.5 million, making it the 6th most densely populated state in the country. Also, Connecticut is known as the Nutmeg state, and people from Connecticut are sometimes referred to as “Nutmeggers.”

Resources:

• USHistory.org: Reaching for Connecticut
• United States Census Bureau: Resident population data

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History of Connecticut

Connecticut was founded very early in United States history and was one of the original thirteen colonies who rebelled against Great Britain in the American Revolution. Connecticut was given a royal charter to become a colony in 1662 under Governor John Winthrop, Jr., and Yale was founded in 1701 in New Haven. Connecticut had a troubled relationship with the British crown for much of its history, with James II threatening to revoke the charter and forcing its safekeeping in an oak tree, but its path to statehood was also influenced by the Great Awakening other colonial concerns. The Charter Oak died in the nineteenth century, but there are many large oak trees in Connecticut that are highly valued and have become tourist destinations in their own right.

Resources:

• ConnecticutHistory.org: The legend of the charter oak
• Society of the Cincinnati: Connecticut in the American Revolution

A Quote About Connecticut

Connecticut has been the subject of many famous quotes throughout its history. The original charter states that:

“Now Know YE, That in consideration thereof, and in Regard the said Colony is remote from other the English Plantations in the places aforesaid, and to the End the Affairs and Business which shall from Time to Time happen or arise concerning the same, may be duly Ordered and Managed, we have thought fit, and at the humble Petition of the Persons aforesaid, and are graciously Pleased to create and make them a Body Politicly and Corporate, with the Powers and Privileges herein after mentioned.”

Note the reference to Connecticut being on the edge of the colonies which, in 1662, it definitely was.

Resources:

• Yale Law School: Charter of Connecticut, 1662
• Connecticut State Library: Connecticut’s nicknames

Connecticut Genealogy Sites

Genealogy can be very interesting in Connecticut. As it has such a long history, many of its founding families can trace their ancestral family trees back to pre-colonial times, and there is great interest in tracing that history. There are many resources and special projects devoted to genealogy in Connecticut. The state is also close to resources in New York and Rhode Island, which both have extensive genealogy libraries and strong genealogy societies.

Resources:

• The CTGenWeb Project: Welcome
• Connecticut Society of Genealogists: How to get started

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Museums and Historical Sites

There are numerous museums and historical sites in Connecticut. Yale alone has dozens of museums and sites; there are museums devoted to natural history, Connecticut history, art history, and more. Also, towns like Mystic, Connecticut serve as historical artifacts in and of themselves, with well-preserved historical areas and cohesive historical management plans. Exciting for historians, Connecticut also has a wealth of archives and historical resources for research.

Resources:

• Museum of Connecticut History: Welcome
• Yale University: Museums and galleries
• University of Connecticut: Archives and special collections
• This is Mystic: About Mystic
• Connecticut Science Center: Overview

Connecticut History for Kids

Connecticut history can also be fun for kids! Connecticut is a great place for kids to visit, the Mystic Seaport, endless miles of forest, and the bustling cities of New Haven and Hartford are great places for kids to explore and learn. Dinosaur State Park, aquariums, and more are kid-friendly, as are hiking trails and other outdoor activities. Kids can also have fun at Yale or any of the other colleges in Connecticut, many of which have museums and programs for children. There are also exceptional schools, both residential and day, in Connecticut, as well as the house of lexicographer (dictionary writer) Noah Webster, a great educational resource and fun experience for children located in Farmington, Connecticut.

Resources:

• Mystic Aquarium: Visit
• Connecticut Dinosaur State Park: History
• Noah Webster House and West Hartford Historical Society: Kid’s corner
• Porter’s School for Girls: Experience

Historical Societies

Connecticut, probably due to its long history, has a large number of historical societies and antiquarian groups. These societies are important in keeping the long history of Connecticut alive and present in today’s society. These historical societies serve as an important resource for researchers and residents alike. The societies also put on events and lectures to educate the general public and keep Connecticut history in the public’s thoughts.

Resources:

• Connecticut Historical Society: Museum and library
• Connecticut Landmarks: About

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Regional Connecticut Resources

Connecticut has a wealth of regional resources. Although it has a long history, it is also a bustling, thriving state with a huge population. It is close to New York City and is home to several major companies and corporations including General Electric and Xerox. Regional resources for Connecticut are crucial for both the historical sites and resources as well as the day to day lives of Connecticut residents. They are also essential for visitors to Connecticut who are looking for interesting aspects of the state.

Resources:

• CT.gov: Connecticut’s Official State Website: Most popular resources
• City of Bridgeport, CT: Welcome
• City of Hartford, CT: Residents
• The Official Website of the City of New Haven: City services

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