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Journey back in time to Connecticut, USA

Visit Connecticut, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.

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Connecticut, USA -  Connecticut, USA - Flag of Connecticut Adopted September 9, 1897

Fun facts:

Connecticut and Rhode Island never ratified the 18th Amendment (Prohibition).

Cattle branding in the United States began in Connecticut when farmers were required by law to mark all of their pigs.

Connecticut is home to the oldest U.S. newspaper still being published: The Hartford Courant, established in 1764.

Connecticut is home to the first hamburger (1895), Polaroid camera (1934), helicopter (1939), and color television (1948).

In 1937, Connecticut became the first state to issue permanent license plates for cars.

Connecticut's most important crops are dairy, poultry, forest and nursery, tobacco, vegetables and fruit.
50states.com

"The state is named after the Connecticut River, which was named quinnitukqut by the Mohegans who lived in the eastern upper Thames valley. In their Algonquian language, the word means “long river place” or “beside the long tidal river.”" mentalfloss.com



There is MUCH more to discover about Connecticut, USA. Read on!

Connecticut Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Connecticut, USA - Flag of Connecticut
Adopted September 9, 1897
Connecticut, USA
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Flag of Connecticut
Adopted September 9, 1897
Connecticut, USA - Ansonia, New Haven, Connecticut, USA 
National Bank
Connecticut, USA

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Ansonia, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
National Bank
Connecticut, USA - Bethany, New Haven, Connecticut, USA 
Christ Church
Connecticut, USA

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Bethany, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Christ Church
Connecticut, USA - St. Mary's Church and Rectory, Branford, Conn.
Connecticut, USA

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St. Mary's Church and Rectory, Branford, Conn.
Connecticut, USA - 1942 advertisement

Reymond's is good Bread
Enriched with Vitamin -B, and other Vitamin B factors
Connecticut, USA

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1942 advertisement

Reymond's is good Bread
Enriched with Vitamin -B, and other Vitamin B factors

Naugatuck Daily News
Naugatuck, Connecticut
July 2, 1942

Discover Connecticut: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1665 - Union of New Haven Colony and Connecticut Colony is completed with capitals in both Hartford and New Haven.
In 1665, a significant moment in early American colonial history occurred with the union of the New Haven Colony and the Connecticut Colony. This merger was the culmination of efforts to consolidate and strengthen the English presence in the New England region. The two colonies, which had been founded independently in the 1630s, had developed distinct identities and governance structures. The New Haven Colony, known for its strict Puritanism and theocratic government, and the Connecticut Colony, which had a more moderate approach, found common ground in the face of external pressures and the desire for a more unified defense against Native American tribes and potential Dutch encroachment.

The union established dual capitals in Hartford and New Haven, reflecting a compromise to maintain a sense of local governance and appease the residents of both former colonies. This dual-capital arrangement was an unusual but practical solution to the challenge of merging two distinct political... Read MORE...

1687 - King James revoked charter, took colonists' legal rights; Charter Oak incident occurred
The Charter Oak incident took place in 1687 in Hartford, Connecticut, during a period of political upheaval in the American colonies. The English Crown, under King James II, sought to consolidate control over the colonies by revoking their charters and imposing direct royal governance. Connecticut was one of the colonies resisting this move. Sir Edmund Andros, appointed as the governor of the Dominion of New England, was sent to enforce the new order and confiscate the Connecticut Charter, a document granting the colony a degree of self-governance.

As the legend goes, during a meeting with Andros on the night of October 31, 1687, the Connecticut colonists, determined to protect their autonomy, took a daring step. In the midst of heated negotiations, the lights in the meeting room were suddenly extinguished, and the charter disappeared. It was later revealed that Captain Joseph Wadsworth had spirited the document away and hidden it inside the hollow of a massive white oak tree,... Read MORE...

The first American tin was made in Connecticut in 1770.
In 1770, Connecticut made a significant mark on American industrial history by producing the first tin in the United States. This pioneering effort was led by the colonial blacksmith Isaac Meigs in the town of East Guilford, which is now Madison. Prior to this achievement, tinware was primarily imported from Europe, making it a costly commodity for American colonists. Meigs' innovation not only reduced dependence on foreign imports but also laid the groundwork for a burgeoning domestic tinware industry.
Newburgh Daily Journal
Newburgh, New York
June 13, 1893
1776 - Representatives of Connecticut Colony sign the Declaration of Independence and Connecticut becomes one of the thirteen states of the United States.

www.bethany-ct.com/ historicalSociety/ bhs-facts.htm
In 1784, the State of Connecticut passed an act for the gradual abolition of slavery
declaring all born after that period free at twenty-five years of age, and allowing masters to emancipate all between twenty-five and forty-five.
History of Norwich, Connecticut: From Its Possession by the Indians to the Year 1866 Author Frances Manwaring Caulkins Publisher By H.P. Haven, 1874
1788 - Federal Constitution approved; Connecticut became Nation's fifth state

www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ cttimeln.htm
1806 - Noah Webster published first edition of his dictionary
In 1806, Noah Webster published the first edition of his dictionary, titled "A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language." This publication marked a significant milestone in the standardization and development of American English. Webster, an American lexicographer, grammarian, and language reformer, was driven by a desire to create a distinct American identity through language. His dictionary introduced American spellings and usage that differed from British English, promoting a sense of national unity and cultural independence in the post-Revolutionary War United States.

Webster's dictionary was notable not only for its linguistic reforms but also for its comprehensiveness and scholarly approach. It included numerous words that were specific to American culture and geography, reflecting the unique experiences and innovations of the young nation.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ cttimeln.htm
1815 - First steamboat on Connecticut River to Hartford
In 1815, the Connecticut River witnessed a significant milestone in transportation history with the arrival of the first steamboat to Hartford. This event marked a transformative moment for the region, signaling the beginning of a new era in river travel and commerce. The steamboat, named the Fulton, was designed by the famed engineer Robert Fulton, whose innovations had already revolutionized waterway transportation in the United States. The successful journey of the Fulton up the Connecticut River to Hartford showcased the practical application of steam power for overcoming the river's currents and improving the speed and reliability of travel.

The arrival of the steamboat brought about significant economic and social changes to the Connecticut River Valley. It facilitated faster and more efficient movement of goods and passengers, enhancing trade and communication between Hartford and other cities. This innovation helped spur economic growth, leading to increased commerce and... Read MORE...

1818 – New Connecticut Constitution is passed; Congregational Church is disestablished, and no longer receives direct town support.

www.bethany-ct.com/ historicalSociety/ bhs-facts.htm
1832 - First Connecticut railroad incorporated
In 1832, the state of Connecticut witnessed a significant milestone in its transportation history with the incorporation of its first railroad, the Hartford and New Haven Railroad. This development was part of the broader wave of railroad expansion that was transforming the United States during the early 19th century. The incorporation of the Hartford and New Haven Railroad marked the beginning of a new era of connectivity and economic growth for Connecticut, providing a crucial link between the major cities of Hartford and New Haven and facilitating the movement of goods and passengers.

The establishment of this railroad not only enhanced local commerce but also positioned Connecticut as a vital hub in the burgeoning national railroad network. It played a key role in fostering regional economic development by reducing travel time and transportation costs, thus boosting trade and industrial activities.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ cttimeln.htm
1839 - Connecticut
CONNECTICUT
This state is bounded N. by Massachusetts, E. by Rhode Island, S. by Long Island Sound, and W. by New York. Situated between 40°58' and 42°1'N. lat., and 72°37' and 71°43'W. lon.

The territory of Connecticut was formerly two colonies:—Connecticut and New Haven. The colony of Connecticut was planted by citizens of Massachusetts, at Windsor, in 1633, and at Hartford and Wethersfield, in 1635 and 1636. The colony of New Haven was settled by Englishmen, in 1638. In 1665, the two colonies were united by a charter granted by Charles the Second. This charter was the basis of the government till 1818, when the present constitution was formed.

Connecticut is divided into the eight following counties—Hartford, New Haven, New London, Fairfield, Windham, Litchfield, Middlesex, and Tolland. The face of the state is greatly diversified by hills and valleys. In general it is so exceeding undulating or uneven, as to present an everchanging variety of objects. The ranges of... Read MORE...

In the year 1848, slavery had entirely disappeared in Connecticut, and was declared by the Legislature extinct and forever abolished.

History of Norwich, Connecticut: From Its Possession by the Indians to the Year 1866 Author Frances Manwaring Caulkins Publisher By H.P. Haven, 1874
1854 - Connecticut
Connecticut, one of the original states of the American confederacy, and the most S. W. of the New England states, is bounded N. by Massachusetts, E. by Rhode Island, S. by Long Island sound, and W. by New York. It lies between 41° and 42° 3' N. lat., and 71° 55' and 73° 50' W. Ion.; being about 93 miles in length from E. to W., and 68 miles in its greatest breadth from N. to S. ; including an area of about 4674 square miles, or 2,991,360 acres, of which 1,734,277 were improved in 1850.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.


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1894 - November 5 - The famous Election Day snowstorm occurred in Connecticut. As much as a foot of wet snow fell, and the snow and high winds caused great damage to wires and trees.

WeatherForYou.com
1897 - Pope Manufacturing Co. began automobile manufacturing
In 1897, Pope Manufacturing Co., a well-known bicycle manufacturer based in Hartford, Connecticut, made a significant shift in its business focus by entering the automobile manufacturing industry. This move was part of the broader trend at the time, where many bicycle manufacturers were transitioning to producing automobiles due to the growing popularity and demand for motorized vehicles. The company's decision to venture into automobile manufacturing marked a pivotal moment not only in its own history but also in the evolution of transportation technology in the United States.

By entering the automobile market, Pope Manufacturing Co. joined a select group of pioneering companies at the forefront of the automotive industry's early development. This decision not only diversified the company's product offerings but also positioned it as a key player in the rapidly expanding automobile market of the late 19th century.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ cttimeln.htm
1901 - First state to enact law regarding automobile speeds
The state of Connecticut passed the first automobile law in 1901. It set the driving speed limit at 12 miles per hour.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ cttimeln.htm
1936 - Severe damages caused by flooding in Connecticut River Valley

www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ cttimeln.htm
1937- Connecticut became the first state to issue permanent license plates for cars.
In 1937, Connecticut made automotive history by becoming the first state to introduce permanent license plates for cars. This innovative system replaced the previous practice of issuing new plates annually, streamlining the process for both motorists and authorities. With permanent plates, drivers no longer needed to swap out their plates each year, reducing administrative hassle and costs.

Connecticut's move set a precedent that would eventually be adopted by many other states, leading to a standardization of license plate practices across the United States.
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ connecticut.html


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1939 - First section of Wilbur Cross Parkway opened
In 1939, the first section of the Wilbur Cross Parkway opened, marking a significant milestone in Connecticut's transportation history. Named after former Connecticut Governor Wilbur Cross, the parkway was envisioned as a scenic route connecting New Haven to the Meriden area. Its construction was part of a broader effort to improve infrastructure and provide a more efficient transportation network in the state.

The opening of the Wilbur Cross Parkway not only facilitated easier travel between these areas but also offered motorists a picturesque drive through Connecticut's landscapes. With its careful design blending into the natural surroundings, the parkway became known for its beauty, attracting travelers and locals alike.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ cttimeln.htm
February 16, 1943 - The morning low of -32 degrees at Falls Village CT established a state record, yet the afternoon high that day was 20 degrees above zero.

The Weather Channel
1948 - Pickles must bounce
A pickle cannot be sold unless it bounces. According to a 1948 article, this law became a necessity after two scheming pickle packers tried to sell pickles “unfit for human consumption” on the sly. Connecticut’s Food and Drug Commissioner at the time proclaimed that a real pickle “should bounce” when dropped from the height of one foot, leading to a new state regulation.
rd.com
1955 - Many killed and much property damage occurred due to heavy flooding

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1958 - 129-miles Connecticut Turnpike opened

In 1958, a significant infrastructure project was completed with the opening of the 129-mile Connecticut Turnpike. This toll road, also known as Interstate 95, was a major feat of engineering and planning, providing a crucial link in the emerging interstate highway system. The turnpike connected the New York state line in Greenwich to the Rhode Island state line in East Lyme, passing through major cities like New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford along the way.

The Connecticut Turnpike revolutionized travel in the region, offering a faster and more direct route for commuters and travelers alike. It eased congestion on existing roads and opened up new opportunities for economic development and tourism.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ cttimeln.htm
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Connecticut:
Yale University: Visit the prestigious Yale University in New Haven. Explore the stunning campus architecture, including the iconic Yale University Art Gallery and the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

Mystic Seaport Museum: Experience maritime history at the Mystic Seaport Museum, where you can explore historic ships, a recreated 19th-century village, and a vast collection of maritime artifacts.

The Mark Twain House: Literature enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford. Explore the home where the famous author penned some of his most iconic works.

Gillette Castle State Park: This quirky and picturesque castle in East Haddam, once home to actor William Gillette, offers hiking trails and panoramic views of the Connecticut River.

Litchfield Hills: Enjoy the scenic beauty of Litchfield Hills with its rolling hills, charming towns, and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring quaint villages like Kent and... Read MORE...

Discover MY Roots: Connecticut Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Connecticut, USA

We currently have information about 1,189 ancestors who were born or died in Connecticut.

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Ancestors Who Were Married in Connecticut, USA

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Our Connecticut Gift Ideas

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Connecticut Gift Idea - Apizza, Burger on Toast, White Clam Pizza - I Love Connecticut! - CT Mug for Genealogists Family History

Featuring iconic local delicacies, the design of this mug captures the essence of Connecticut's food culture. It pays homage to the Apizza, a unique and mouthwatering pizza style that originated in New Haven. The legendary Louis' Lunch Burger, said to be the birthplace of the hamburger, is also prominently featured. And of course, there's a nod to the classic White Clam Pizza, a coastal favorite that's a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.

Savin Rock, Connecticut Memories Vintage Postcard Ceramic Mug

Introducing the Memories of Savin Rock ceramic postcard mug, a charming tribute to the iconic amusement park in Connecticut! This 11-ounce ceramic coffee mug is a delightful blend of nostalgia and functionality. Featuring a vintage-inspired design, the mug showcases iconic images and landmarks from Savin Rock amusement park, evoking fond memories of days gone by.

My Connecticut Roots Mug: Bed-and-Breakfast Enthusiast Edition

Start your day with a sip of history and charm from our Connecticut-inspired ceramic mug, proudly proclaiming: "My ancestors came from Connecticut, that explains a lot about my love for charming bed-and-breakfasts and discussing the nuances of colonial architecture." This delightful mug is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life, like cozy mornings at quaint inns and lively conversations about the elegance of colonial design.
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Updated: 6/16/2024 9:51:06 AM