State Overview - Connecticut

Connecticut was admitted to the Union on January 9, 1788, becoming the 5th state.

Connecticut ranks 48th in size with an area of 5,543 sq miles.

Connecticut has a median household income of $91,700 ranking 10th.

Demonym of Connecticut people is Connecticuter, but they can also be called Nutmeggers.

Connecticut is divided into 8 counties with the most populous county being Fairfield (~957k). Connecticut's most populous city is Bridgeport and Hartford is Connecticut's capital.

Connecticut had another capital in the past, New Haven, until 1878.

Dutchman Adriaen Block was the first European to explore the modern area of Connecticut in 1614. Dutch fur traders later sailed up the Connecticut River and then built a fort. The area was then taken by the English and established the Saybrook Colony at the mouth of the Connecticut River in 1635.

In 1636, a large group of Puritans arrived at Connecticut from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. These Puritans established the Connecticut Colony at Hartford. They adopted the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, which is sometimes described as the first constitution document in America.

The Pequot War marked the first significant clash between Native Americans and colonists in New England. It spurred when the Pequots murdered an Englishman and his crew. Between 300 to 700 Pequot Indians were killed during this war. After suffering a heavy loss near Fairfield, the Pequots sued for peace.

Connecticut ratified the U.S. Constitution on January 9, 1788, becoming the 5th state. In 1786, Connecticut ceded territory that later became part of the Northwest Territory.

Renewed tensions with Britain launched the War of 1812. For the War of 1812, Connecticut launched 1,000 vessels. During the Industrial Revolution, Connecticut became a major center for manufacturing, due in part of the inventions of Eli Whitney.

During the Civil War, Connecticut's manufacturers became a major player in supplying the Union with weapons and supplies. Connecticut furnished 55,000 men. Connecticut lost around 2,088 men in combat.

In 1938, the most destructive storm in New England stuck Connecticut. Hundreds of people died and over 50,000 trees were reported to have fallen on the roadways. In 2011, Connecticut was hit with Hurricane Irene. Hurricane Irene caused massive damage to the state.