Today, on President's Day, we honor the former leaders of our country. Connecticut has been celebrating this holiday since its creation, just as we were around during the birth of the United States. But few people know all of the presidential history in the Nutmeg State.
The first president, George Washington traveled through Connecticut several times. He spent the night in a number of our towns including Norwich, New London, Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, New Haven, Ashford, and Westport.
The small state of Connecticut has produced only one U.S. President. George W. Bush was born in New Haven on July 6, 1946. He served as the 43rd President of the United States from 2001 to 2009.
There has been only one First Lady from the Nutmeg state. Theodore Roosevelt's wife, Edith, was born in Norwalk in 1861. They were in the White House from 1901-1909.
The Hartford Courant, the oldest continuously running newspaper in America, was one of the leading supporters of Abraham Lincoln's presidential campaign. When Lincoln won the presidency, The Hartford Courant reported the victory with the headline, "VICTORY, VICTORY, WE'VE GOT 'EM."
Were you aware of all of the presidential history in our tiny state? For a different look at Connecticut's colorful past, check out this island that used to be a thriving resort.
Life in the 1980s was pretty different. Some folks refer to it as a more innocent time when leggings and big shoulder pads were cool and kids played hockey out in the street instead of Candy Crush on their smartphones. Growing up in Connecticut in the 80s was a tumultuous time of crazy fashion and way too many pimples for my liking. This list will remind you just how different the 80s really were, by taking you on a time-traveling adventure of Connecticut in the 1980s that reminds you of what the decade included.
If your parents were really cool, you never had to use a rotary dial. You probably had a Model 500, which looked exactly the same, except for the keys. Twirling the cord while you talked was an unavoidable habit, especially if you grew up in CT in the 80s chatting away with friends.
2. Attempting to solve what seemed like the impossible
You probably spent hours turning the gears of your Rubik's Cube, getting all excited when you got one side to be solid, only to mess it up a few turns later. If you managed to solve it, everyone thought you were a genius.
Arnie's Arcade in Westport was the kind of place that made kids contemplate whether they ever wanted to go home again. One past patron recalls playing the US vs USSR hockey game for hours.
If you were a young girl in the 80s, you were probably told to be careful. Eight of the deaths were the work of Michael Ross, who was imprisoned until his death in 2005. But the one responsible for the other seven deaths, known as the Connecticut River Valley Killer, was never caught. This was one of those 1980s Connecticut events that stuck with you for life.
Actually, you probably did every Michael Jackson dance there was, from the lean to the moonwalk. But who could resist the iconic Thriller dance, especially during Halloween?
This game system was so fun that people still seek it out. This was the era of the classics, and avid gamers know today's games are mostly based on the successes of the 80s.
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9. There were some pretty fun nights at the roller rink
Roller rinks aren't as easy to find anymore, but if you grew up in the 80s you know that they were once hot spots. You've probably been to a number of birthday parties at the rink and you may have even tried to learn some tricks.
"Luke, I am your father" was one of the greatest cinematic moments, and you saw it on the big screen. Cue the action figures, themed blankets, and R2D2 trash can. There was no end to the collection.
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11. All you wanted for Christmas was a Teddy Ruxpin
You couldn't stop yourself from humming his song while you did your homework, and you loved the puppet characters. Mr. Rogers is the reason that 1980s children were so charming.
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13. The Great Flash Flood of 1982
Did this nostalgic list of things bring back memories of what living in Connecticut in the 1980s was like? Tell us what your favorite memories from the 1980s are!
Step even further back in time to look at what life was like in the 1940s in Connecticut.
The entire country has a great many things for which to thank the Nutmeg State. Lollipops, the modern paper clip, hamburgers, the Frisbee: all of these things and more are all inventions from Connecticut. Another famous invention from Connecticut has had more practical results for the world, however. Did you know the first modern submarine was crafted in Connecticut? Way back in 1775, David Bushnell made the aptly-named Turtle, and it took its first "sail" in Saybrook, CT prior to being used in the Revolutionary War. Submarines have proved incredibly important in global history and played major roles in both World Wars. It's no exaggeration at all to say they are one of the most vital inventions in naval history, and we've got our state to thank for them!
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There are actually records of submarine-like devices being submerged in Greece in the 16th century, but the first military submarine was Turtle. It was the first submarine that could be operated and steered underwater.
The Turtle was invented by David Bushnell, who hoped to use the device for fighting against the British in the Revolutionary War. The Turtle's development was supported and partially financed by George Washington himself.
The Turtle was an acorn-shaped device that was made of two oak shells connected together by iron, almost like a barrel. It could hold just one person and was powered and steered by hand cranking and foot pedals.
Ezra Lee, a sergeant in the Continental Army, was chosen to pilot the Turtle. It only had enough air for about 30 minutes of submersion, and was difficult to steer.
After a few test runs in Connecticut, the Turtle was intended to steer towards a British ship, the HMS Eagle, that was docked in New York Harbor. Lee was to exit the submarine, attach explosives to the Eagle's hull, then flee the scene on the submarine.
Unfortunately, Lee found himself unable to attach the explosives. He feared being discovered by the British Navy, so he abandoned his efforts and returned to shore in the Turtle.
The exact fate of the Turtle is unknown - it is thought that it was likely sunk during the war. The device's importance to military history cannot be understated, though - it paved the way for modern submarines that were to change the course of later wars.
While you can't see the original Turtle today, there are several replicas all over the world (a few of them are pictured above). One can be seen at the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, CT. It's definitely one of the most famous inventions from Connecticut!
Have you ever been to the museum to learn more about this submarine? If so, what did you enjoy the most? Would you agree that it is perhaps one of the most unique inventions from Connecticut? Are you aware of any other things invented in CT? We'd love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!
If you enjoy outdoor opportunities, you'll want to take a look at these 8 stunning boardwalks in Connecticut that are definitely worth a visit.
Thinking about taking a Connecticut vacay soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.
If you’re still in the mood for more Connecticut adventures, take a look at this video:
