Name & Origin
Connecticut (CT) was one of the original 13 states and is one of the six New England states. It is located in the northeastern corner of the country, which means that we use the Eastern Time Zone. It is also the nation’s third-smallest state.
The name Connecticut originates from the Algonquian word "Quinnehtukqut" (beside the long tidal river). The name Connecticut was established early in the 1600s (referring to the Connecticut River).
Capital
The capital of Connecticut is Hartford and it is one of America's oldest and most historic cities. Hartford has always been the capital of Connecticut, however, Connecticut had two colonies until 1662: Connecticut Colony (Hartford) and New Haven Colony. From 1701-1874, New Haven was the capital concurrently with Hartford, and in 1875 the General Assembly voted for Hartford to become the only capital of Connecticut in a Constitutional Amendment.
Flag
The background of Connecticut’s flag is azure blue. A white baroque shield is located in the center and has three green and purple grapevines. There is a white banner trimmed in gold placed below the shield, with the state’s motto in Latin written in black text. The three bunches of grapes are designed to represent the three oldest settlements in the state: Windsor, Harford, and Wethersfield. The Latin words, “Qui Transtulit Sustinet,” means “He who transplanted still sustains.
Climate
Connecticut climate ranges from the humid continental type in the north to humid subtropical in the south, and it varies by region. Summers are hot and humid, while winters range from mild on the coast to cold and snowy in the interior.
Connecticut lies in the southwestern New England region, which is the northeastern part of the United States. Rhode Island in the east, Long Island Sound in the south, New York in the west, and Massachusetts in the north border the state.
The best time to visit Connecticut is from mid-May to mid-October that encompasses the period of late spring to mid-autumn. On the other hand, the worst time to visit is during the winter season from December to February when the cold is at its peak.
Symbols
-
flower: Mountain Laurel
-
tree: White oak
-
animal: Sperm whale
-
bird: American Robin
-
song: “Yankee Doodle”
-
insect: Praying mantis
Listen "Yankee Doodle"
Have you heard the "American Robin" before? Listen to it, and let us know!
Largest Cities
-
Bridgeport (143,010)
-
Stamford (131,593)
-
New Haven (130,850)
-
Hartford (121,033)
-
Waterbury (107,701)
-
Norwalk (88,871)
*You may click on each city to learn more details about the population of each city, or in the picture to go to those cities' websites.
Forests & Wildlife
Connecticut is considered one of the most heavily forested states as well as one of the most densely populated states in the U.S. About 60% of Connecticut is forested by state and private forests. Forests are an important natural resource. Not only they provide wood for homes and other products, but they also greatly enhance the quality of life for the people of the state. They also provide aesthetically gorgeous foliage!
There are 84 species of mammals, 335 species of birds, and 49 species of reptiles and amphibians in Connecticut, and many of them are found in Connecticut's rich forests.
Nicknames
One of Connecticut's nickname is "The Constitution State" because The Fundamental Orders, written in Connecticut in 1639, were the first written constitution in history.
Another nickname for the state of Connecticut is "The Nutmeg State".
In the colonial period, nutmeg was hard to get. People could buy it from a Yankee peddler. Yankee peddlers were traveling salesmen who were mainly from Connecticut. They went from door to door selling their goods. Nutmeg was easy to carry but it was rare. The peddlers began carving fake nutmegs out of wood! Customers didn’t know they had been tricked until the peddler was far down the road and that's how Connecticut became known as “The Nutmeg State.”
Connecticuters
People who are natives or residents of Connecticut are called "Connecticuters". “Nutmegger” is sometimes used as well because it is derived from the nickname, the Nutmeg State, based on the practice of the Connecticut peddlers who traveled about selling nutmegs.
There is not, however, any nickname that has been officially adopted by the State for its residents.
Important People
Connecticut has had very important and famous people throughout history.
Click HERE to learn about important Connecticuters. You need to select, at least 3, and research about them. You may also google-search for "Important people from Connecticut". You will be surprised of all the famous Connecticuters!
Government
Ned Lamont (Democratic Party) is the Governor of Connecticut. He assumed office in 2019. His current term ends on January 4, 2023.
Connecticut is divided geographically into eight counties: Fairfield County, Hartford County, Litchfield County, Middlesex County, New Haven County, New London County, Tolland County, and Windham County.
The eight counties are still widely used for purely geographical and statistical purposes, such as weather reports and census reporting, but Connecticut does not have a county government.
The governor heads the executive branch and presides the General Assembly or the legislature. The General Assembly is a bicameral body consisting of an upper body, the State Senate (36 senators); and a lower body, the House of Representatives (151 representatives).
On the other hand, the highest court of Connecticut's judicial branch is the Connecticut Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is responsible for deciding on the laws.
Connecticut residents who register to vote may declare an affiliation to a political party or remain unaffiliated. There are two major parties: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, and there are 24 minor parties, such as the Libertarian Party and Green Party which appeared in the Presidential-electors column in 2016.
