Connecticut

Connecticut is like a small sunny country from the other side of the world.
John Gregory Dunne in True Confessions
Connecticut, one of the original thirteen colonies, boasts a rich historical legacy. Settled by Dutch and English explorers in the early 1600s, it played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, being the site of key engagements like the Battle of Bunker Hill. The state's ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1788 earned it the nickname "The Constitution State." Flourishing in the 19th century with a strong industrial base, Connecticut was renowned for its manufacturing prowess, particularly in firearms, clocks, and textiles. The 20th century saw it evolve into a hub for finance, insurance, and healthcare, while maintaining its cultural heritage through institutions like Yale University and the Mark Twain House.
Brief timeline of the history of the state of Connecticut:

  • Early 17th century: Dutch explorer Adriaen Block is the first known European to explore the area that is now Connecticut.

  • 1633: English settlers from Plymouth Colony established a trading post at Windsor, marking the beginning of English colonization in Connecticut.

  • 1636-1637: Reverend Thomas Hooker founds the town of Hartford, and other settlers establish the towns of Windsor and Wethersfield. These settlements form the Connecticut Colony.

  • 1639: The Fundamental Orders, considered one of the first written constitutions in North America, is adopted by the Connecticut Colony, establishing a democratic government.

  • Late 17th century: Connecticut expands as additional settlements are established, including New Haven, Fairfield, and New London.

  • 1687: The Dominion of New England, a short-lived administrative union established by the English Crown, merges Connecticut with several other New England colonies.

  • 1689: Connecticut reasserts its independence from the Dominion of New England following the Glorious Revolution in England.

  • Late 18th century: Connecticut plays an active role in the American Revolutionary War, with notable figures such as General Israel Putnam and diplomat Silas Deane hailing from the state.

  • 1788: Connecticut becomes the fifth state to ratify the United States Constitution on January 9.

  • Early 19th century: Connecticut experiences industrialization, with the growth of textile manufacturing and the development of transportation infrastructure, including canals and railroads.

  • Mid-19th century: The state becomes a center for manufacturing and innovation, particularly in firearms production, clock-making, and the sewing machine industry.

  • Late 19th century: Connecticut's economy continues to diversify, with advancements in machinery, electrical engineering, and precision manufacturing.

  • 1901: The first submarine commissioned by the United States Navy, the USS Holland, is launched in Connecticut.

  • 1950s: Connecticut becomes known as the "Insurance Capital of the World" due to the presence of numerous insurance companies headquartered in the state.

  • Present: Connecticut is recognized for its educational institutions, including Yale University, as well as its financial and insurance sectors. The state also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with historic sites and museums that celebrate its colonial and industrial past.

Audiobooks about the history of Connecticut.