🌳Connecticut

The Constitution State · The Nutmeg State

Connecticut was one of the original thirteen colonies and the fifth state to ratify the Constitution. Its Fundamental Orders of 1639 — a framework of self-government drafted by colonists along the Connecticut River — are sometimes called the first written constitution in Western history, and they gave the state its official nickname.

The Fundamental Orders

In 1636, Reverend Thomas Hooker led his congregation from Massachusetts Bay Colony west to the Connecticut River, seeking more liberal government. Three years later, representatives of Hartford, Wethersfield, and Windsor adopted the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut — a document that established an elected government and enumerated powers without deferring to the English Crown. For this reason, Connecticut calls itself "The Constitution State."

Revolutionary Contributions

Connecticut was nicknamed the "Provisions State" during the Revolutionary War for supplying beef, salt, and gunpowder to the Continental Army. Nathan Hale, a Connecticut schoolteacher turned Continental officer, was hanged by the British as a spy in 1776. His last words — "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country" — became one of the Revolution's most quoted lines. After the war, Connecticut delegates Oliver Ellsworth and Roger Sherman proposed the Great Compromise at the 1787 Constitutional Convention, which created the bicameral Congress.

Insurance and Industry

Hartford became the capital of American insurance in the 18th century, beginning with marine policies on China-trade ships. Aetna, The Hartford, and Travelers all still anchor the city. Connecticut was also a manufacturing powerhouse: Samuel Colt's revolver factory in Hartford pioneered interchangeable parts. Eli Whitney's cotton gin was developed while he was living in New Haven. The submarine force at Groton on the Thames River has built nearly every U.S. submarine since the Civil War.

Yale and the Ivy League

Yale University was founded in 1701 in Saybrook and moved to New Haven in 1716. It is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of the nation's most influential universities. Five U.S. presidents have attended Yale, including both George Bushes and Bill Clinton (law school).

Connecticut Facts

• The first U.S. patent was granted by Connecticut-born Samuel Hopkins for a process to make potash.
• The hamburger is said to have originated at Louis' Lunch in New Haven in 1900.
• Connecticut is the third-smallest state in area and the fourth-most densely populated.
• Mystic Seaport on the Mystic River preserves the largest collection of 19th-century sailing vessels in the world.
• The state has no official state capital city by name — Hartford serves as capital by legislative practice.

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