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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.

seal-of-Connecticut

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

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Key Cities: Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, Waterbury

Postal Abbreviation: CT

Major Industries: Finance, insurance, real estate, healthcare, engineering

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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

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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

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Famous Connecticuters

T. Barnum- showman

Katharine Hepburn- actress

Meg Ryan- actress

Meg Ryan

Lisa Lampanelli- comedian

Michael Bolton- singer

Benedict Arnold- American Revolutionary general

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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.

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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.

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The most common cause of damaged books was candle wax dripping on the pages, since people relied on candlelight to read.

sunset walk law

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.

The 7 Articles to the Constitution

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!)

United States facts

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