Connecticut has an unfair reputation as a boring state, but we actually are quite an interesting place! There are so many great spots to check out in the Nutmeg State, from our restaurants to our parks. It's also shocking how many inventions from Connecticut there are - the world has us to thank for hamburgers and lollipops, among other everyday objects. In a state with so much history, it goes without saying that quite a few things have happened here. We've gathered up some of our favorite fun facts about Connecticut for your enjoyment - see how many you were familiar with:
1. Essex is one of just a small handful of American towns to have been invaded by a foreign power.
The history of Essex, CT is quite fascinating. Not many cities in the United States have ever been captured by a foreign power, but Essex was. During the War of 1812, the British army captured the town of Essex, then known as Potopaug. The army held the town for just a few hours before fleeing the area, but 28 ships were destroyed during the battle.
2. The world's first nuclear submarine was built in Connecticut.
There are plenty of interesting inventions from Connecticut, and one of the most notable is the first functional nuclear-powered submarine. The USS Nautilus was built in 1954 and set records by traveling underneath the Arctic ice cap. The submarine was retired in 1980 and is now on display at the Submarine Force Museum in Groton.
3. Connecticut's state insect, the praying mantis, is not a native species.
The European mantis (Mantis religiosa) is the official state insect of Connecticut, but it's actually not even native to America. The insects were originally from Europe, and were not introduced to the United States until the late 1800s, when they were brought over for pest control.
4. Forests cover more than 60% of Connecticut.
5. By area, Connecticut is the third-smallest state. Even so, it's the fifth most densely-populated state!
6. Connecticut once had two state capitals.
From colonial times, there was a rivalry between the settlements at New Haven and Hartford. In 1701, the two cities were named co-capitals, with separate capitol buildings. The General Assembly met in New Haven once a year and Hartford six months later. The policy of dual capitals was re-examined in the 1860s. It was determined that the cost of maintaining two buildings and separate records was too expensive. A public vote was administered and in 1875, Hartford became the official (sole) capital of Connecticut.
7. Only one president has been born in Connecticut.
George W. Bush is pretty famously associated with the state of Texas, where he served as governor and lives today. He was actually born in New Haven in 1946, and his paternal grandfather was a Senator representing Connecticut in the 1950s.
8. According to Connecticut law, a pickle has to bounce in order to be considered a pickle.
This one appears on a lot of strange laws in Connecticut lists. In 1948, a pair of pickle salesmen were arrested for selling pickles considered "unfit for human consumption." When interviewed about their arrest, the Connecticut Food and Drug Commissioner stated you should be able to drop a pickle from the height of one foot and it should bounce.
9. The first speed limit in the U.S. was in Connecticut. You couldn't surpass 12 miles per hour on city roads, or 15 miles per hour on country roads.
10. The first phone book was published in Connecticut. It included 50 individuals and businesses, but no phone numbers.
The first telephone directory was published in Connecticut in 1878 and was a simple sheet of cardboard. It listed 50 individuals and businesses from around the New Haven area. All of the listed places had telephones, but callers looking to reach them would have to go through an operator to do so.
Were you familiar with any of these weird facts about Connecticut? Do you know of any other Connecticut fun facts? Share your thoughts in the comments!
If you love CT as much as I do, show off your state pride with apparel from Wear Your Roots!
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