Information and history of the state of Connecticut

The Dutch navigator, Adriaen Block, was the first European of record to explore the area, sailing up the Connecticut River in 1614.

Connecticut played a prominent role in the Revolutionary War, serving as the Continental Army's major supplier.

Sometimes called the “Arsenal of the Nation,” the state became one of the most industrialized in the nation.

Some Connecticut Symbols

1. State Bird	2. State Mammal	3. State Flower	4. State Insect	5. State Hero
6. State Tree	7. State Mineral	8. State Fossil	9. State Fish	10. State Shellfish

1. American Robin -Connecticut designated the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) as state bird in 1943.Robins are a true thrush and one of America's favorite songbirds.
2. Sperm Whale- The Sperm Whale was designated the state animal of Connecticut in 1975. This animal played a significant role in the history of Connecticut.The largest of the toothed whales, sperm whales grow to 70 feet in length and can weigh 59 tons.
3. Mountain Laurel - Connecticut designated mountain laurel as the official state flower in 1907. Mountain laurel is also called ivybush, calico bush, sheep laurel, lambkill, clamoun, and spoonwood (native Americans used to make spoons from the wood).
4. European Praying Mantis - The European praying mantis was designated the official state insect of Connecticut in 1977. The praying mantis is a green or brown insect that eats aphids, flies, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and moths. Not native to North America, but found throughout the state of Connecticutt, the praying mantis is a beneficial insect for farmers and a symbol of the importance of the natural environment..
5. Nathan Hale - Nathan Hale, born in Coventry Connecticut in 1755 and educated at Yale University, was designated the official state hero of Connecticut in 1985. Nathan Hale was a captain in the Continental army and volunteered to spy on the British during the American Revolution - he was hanged in 1776 without a trial by the British. The young patriot's immortal last words are etched at the base of the statue at Yale University in New Haven Connecticut: "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."
6. The Charter Oak (White Oak) - Connecticut designated the historic Charter Oak as the official state tree. The Charter Oak was a white oak tree.A symbol of the love of freedom that inspired our colonial ancestors to resist tyranny and demand liberty.
7. Garnet (Almandine Garnet) - Garnet was designated the official state mineral of Connecticutt in 1977. Some of the finest almandine garnet in the world is found in Connecticut.
8. Eubrontes Giganteus Dinosaur Track - Connecticut designated a large three-toed dinosaur track as the official state fossil in 1991, imprinted 200 million years ago during the early Jurassic period.
9. American Shad - Connecticut designated the American shad as official state fish in 2003.Adult shad weigh between 3 pounds and 8 pounds and they have a delicate flavor when cooked.
10. Eastern Oyster - Connecticut designated the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) as the official state shellfish in 1989.

Did you know?

• Connecticut and Rhode Island never ratified the 18th Amendment (Prohibition).
• Hartford has the oldest U.S. newspaper still being published—the Hartford Courant, established 1764.
• In colonial New Haven cut pumpkins were used as guides for haircuts to ensure a round uniform style. Because of this fashion, these New Englanders were nicknamed "pumpkin-heads."
• The first telephone book ever issued contained only fifty names. The New Haven District Telephone Company published it in New Haven in February 1878.
• In Hartford, you may not, under any circumstances, cross the street walking on your hands!
• West Hartford is the birthplace of Noah Webster, the author of the first dictionary published in 1807.