Connecticut is located in the heart of the U.S. New England region.
Only two states are smaller in terms of area than Connecticut—the 29th most popular state.
On January 9, 1788, the state became the 5th state to join the union. It borders New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
Connecticut (nicknamed: the Constitution State, the Nutmeg State, the Provisions State) is divided into eight counties.
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Connecticut Facts for Kids
- Capital: Hartford.
- Nickname: The Constitution State, The Nutmeg State, The Provisions State
- Population: 3.5 million
- Important Cities: Bridgeport, New Haven, Hartford, Stamford, Waterbury
- Biggest Lake: Candlewood Lake
- Highest Mountain: Bear Mountain, 708m
- Connecticut’s counties: New London County, Fairfield County, Middlesex County, New Haven County, Litchfield County, Hartford County, Tolland County, Windham County
Connecticut River
Connecticut is named after the Connecticut River, which is a significant river in the U.S. It flows from the center of Connecticut to Long Island Sound. In Native American languages, the word Connecticut means “besides the long, tidal river.” New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut are all states along the Connecticut River.
The first settlers
The first settlers in Connecticut were the Dutch. They first established themselves in the state in 1614 and were originally fur traders who built a large fort near present-day Hartford.
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt became the first U.S. president to drive an automobile while in office on August 22, 1902. He spoke to around 10,000 workers in Hartford’s Pope Park (originally landscaped by the Olmsted Brothers). In addition to what has been mentioned, President Roosevelt owned a car and had a landline telephone in his home.
New England
Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut make up the six states comprised of the New England of the United States.
Firearms
Connecticut used to be known as the “Arsenal of the Nation.”
As the state manufactured firearms during the 19th and 20th centuries, it developed the nickname. Some companies that manufacture weapons include Volcanic Repeating Arms Company, Sturm Ruger, Joslyn Firearms, and Winchester Repeating Arms Company.
Constitution State
Connecticut is also known as the “Constitution State” simply because the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut embodied the founding principles of the United States Constitution. People were recognized as the true foundation of public authority for the first time in the orders, and they were able to elect officials.
Nuclear Submarine
Between 1952 and 1954, the world’s first nuclear submarine USS Nautilus was successfully built in Groton, Connecticut. Because it used nuclear fuel rather than air, it was able to remain submerged almost indefinitely. It remained in service for 25 years.
Scoville Memorial Library
Connecticut is home to the oldest publicly funded library in the U.S. A local man, Richard Smith, started it in 1771. Thirty-nine people from Salisbury contributed to pay for the first set of 200 books brought by Richard from London.
Insurance Capital of the World
Connecticut’s capital, Hartford, is known as the “Insurance Capital of the World”. The very first car insurance policy in the U.S. was issued at Hartford in 1898. Connecticut issued permanent license plates for vehicles in 1937, the first state to do so.
Provision State
Were you aware of the history behind the nickname Provision State? The state sent supplies and cannons to the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
Edwin Land
Edwin Land was also born in Connecticut.
A total of 535 patients has been credited to him. Did you know Polaroid Instant Cameras were his biggest invention? Using this camera, he could take a picture and develop it in less than 60 seconds.
Amazing inventions
Between 1790 and 1890, over 20,000 patents were granted to people from Connecticut. It’s a really interesting statistic and number when you look at it as they were granted to more than 5000 inventors.
Helicopter Flight
World’s first practical helicopter was designed in the Constitution State.
The first flight of the Sikorsky VS-300 happened at Stratford, Connecticut on September 14, 1939.
FAQ
What is Connecticut’s nickname?
The Nutmeg State
What is Connecticut known for
The state is home to many great places, such as New Haven, Hartford, Mystic Seaport Museum, Mansfield State Park, and Woodstock. It also offers beautiful scenery, including Long Island Sound, the Farmington River Valley, and the Housatonic River Valley.
The state also boasts several world-class universities such as Yale University, New York Institute of Technology, Quinnipiac University, Southern Connecticut State University, Central Connecticut State University, Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, and Trinity College.
Connecticut is also home to the largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies outside of California.
Connecticut is home to many great companies, including Apple Inc., General Electric Co., IBM Corp., Pfizer Inc., State Farm Insurance Companies, United Technologies Corporation (UTC), and Xerox Corp.
The state is home to many famous people, including Tom Hanks, Johnny Depp, and Oprah Winfrey. It also boasts beautiful beaches and great food.
Why is Connecticut called the nutmeg state?
The nutmeg tree grows well in Connecticut because of its mild climate and rich soil. It is also known as the American Spice Tree. Ingenious and shrewd early inhabitants made and sold wooden nutmegs.
How big is Connecticut
The state of Connecticut is approximately 14,357 km². Rhode Island borders it on the east, Massachusetts on the north, New York on the west, and Long Island Sound on the south.
What year did Connecticut become a state?
Connecticut was the first state to join the union on January 9th, 1788.
What is Connecticut’s state nickname?
- The Nutmeg State
- The Constitution State
- The Provisions State
What is Connecticut best known for
The state is home to many historic sites, including the Old State House Museum, which was built in 1713.
Hartford is home to the Wadsworth Atheneum Art Gallery, which houses a large collection of European art dating back to the 16th century.
Connecticut is also famous for its rich history and beautiful scenery.
What are people from Connecticut called?
People from Connecticut are known as Conecticutians.
