Connecticut Facts
Connecticut is in the New England region of the United States.
Related: Connecticut State History
It’s the 29th most populous state in the nation and also one of the smallest—only two states are smaller than Connecticut in terms of area.
Connecticut was one of the original 13 colonies and played a key role in the Revolutionary War before becoming the fifth state.
Quick Facts
Capital: Hartford
Population: 3.5 million
Nickname: The Constitution State, The Nutmeg State
Key Cities: Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, Waterbury
Postal Abbreviation: CT
Major Industries: Finance, insurance, real estate, healthcare, engineering
History
How did Connecticut get its name: The name Connecticut originates from the Algonquian word “Quinnehtukqut,” which means “beside the long tidal river.”
This name refers to the Connecticut River and was established early in the 1600’s.
Date admitted to the Union: Wednesday, January 9, 1788
Geography
Size: 5,543 sq. miles
Lowest point: Long Island Sound at sea level
Highest point: Frissel at 23,080 feet
Counties: 8
Famous locations: Mark Twain House, Mystic Seaport, Gillette Castle State Park, Yale University
Famous Connecticuters
T. Barnum- showman
Katharine Hepburn- actress
Meg Ryan- actress
Lisa Lampanelli- comedian
Michael Bolton- singer
Benedict Arnold- American Revolutionary general
Fun Facts
Connecticut is home to “firsts” including the first color television, hamburger, phone book, Polaroid camera, nuclear-powered submarine, and helicopter.
Another first: The first speed limit laws for cars were set in 1901 in Connecticut. Drivers were not allowed to travel faster than 12 miles per hour.
The Scoville Memorial Library in Connecticut is the oldest public library in the United States.
The library’s collection began in 1771 when Richard Smith used community donations to buy 200 books while traveling in London.
The most common cause of damaged books was candle wax dripping on the pages, since people relied on candlelight to read.
In Hartford, Connecticut, it’s illegal to cross the street by walking on your hands. Meanwhile, in Devon, Connecticut, it’s illegal to walk backwards after sunset.
As recently as 15,000 years ago, Connecticut was covered by a glacier. That may not sound recent, but it does make Connecticut’s landscape very young in comparison to the rest of the world.
Connecticut is called “The Constitution State” because it adopted the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut in 1639.
Many consider this to be the United States’ first written constitution.
Related: US Government (Constitution, Amendments & much more!)
