Published Dec 5, 2023

10 Surefire Signs You Have Strong Roots in Connecticut

Published Dec 5, 2023

Written by

Lisa Sammons

State Pride|Fun Facts

Updated Jun 30, 2024

Some People Don’t Know That Connecticut Was The First To Do These 16 Things

Connecticut has a rich history of being the first in many significant achievements in America.

Updated Jun 30, 2024

Written by

Taylor Ellis

If you're a lover of all things Connecticut, you already know what a great state this is. Connecticut will always be first in our hearts, but it also stands true that there are quite a few things CT did first. This tiny state often gets overlooked, but the truth is that we have a long-standing history in Connecticut. America has a lot of things to thank us for. The list of things invented in Connecticut is practically endless! Of course, that makes sense, as we're one of the oldest states. Without further ado, here's a list of Connecticut firsts that just might blow your mind.

1. We were the first state to establish a constitution.

Ever wondered where our nickname of the Constitution State came from? Our constitution was adopted in 1639 and it established a representative government for the Colony of Connecticut.

2. The first to establish a free public library in America.

The Scoville Memorial Library in Salisbury, CT started as a community collection run by a local furnace owner in 1771. He imported 200 books from London and allowed locals to borrow the books at no charge. In 1810, the town voted to use public funds to purchase more books, making this the first publicly-funded free library in the country.

3. Connecticut is home to the oldest continuously published newspaper in the country.

The Hartford Courant has been published since October 29, 1764.

4. We were the first to publish a dictionary.

The household item known as the Webster Dictionary was published by Noah Webster in Hartford in 1783.

5. The first state to establish a law school.

Litchfield Law School was established in 1784 and some of its graduates include John C. Calhoun and Aaron Burr.

6. The first to start a factory town.

Historic brick building with arched windows, a dome, and storefronts, flanked by trees and parked cars on a street. — Joe Mabel / Flickr

Planned and established in 1806, the town of Seymour was eager to improve the area's wealth.

7. The first to offer insurance.

alt — UBC Library Digitization Centre/Wikimedia

Formerly the ITT Hartford Group, Inc., The Hartford started covering "loss of life or personal injury while journeying by railway or steamboat" in 1810.

8. The first to award a PhD.

In 1861, Yale University bestowed one of their students with a PhD in Philosophy.

9. The first to have a phone exchange.

Achieved in 1877, you can thank New Haven for the superior communication network we have today!

10. The first place to serve a hamburger.

This one's actually a bit controversial, but according to the restaurant's owners (and the Library of Congress), Louis' Lunch in New Haven, CT invented the hamburger. The restaurant began selling the culinary classic in 1895.

11. The first to set up a permanent public planning body in America.

A group of people in a conference room discussing plans, with maps and screens visible in the background. — Dannel Malloy / Flickr

When Hartford's Commission on the City Plan met in 1907, they made history. But their real goal was just to make a difference!

12. The first folks to throw a frisbee.

One of the best things made in Connecticut is the Frisbee. Back in the 1940s, college kids would toss around metal pie tins that were made by the Frisbie Pie Company. The first plastic versions were mass-produced in 1948.

13. The first to build a successfully operating helicopter.

Connecticut resident Igor Sikorsky designed the first successful helicopter in 1939. It was the first in the whole Western Hemisphere.

14. The first to establish an FM radio station.

WDRC-FM began broadcasting in Hartford back in 1939.

15. The first to launch an ultra high-frequency UHF television station.

Two children sit on a vintage couch, watching an old television in a retro living room with patterned wallpaper. — jacktheflipper / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Starting in 1949, KC2XAK in Bridgeport operated every day.

16. The first to launch a nuclear submarine.

A submarine docked at sunset, with its bow facing the camera and a calm water surface reflecting the sky. — CJ Oliver/Flickr

The U.S.S. Nautilus was built by General Dynamics in Groton, CT and launched into the Thames River in 1954. This is pretty interesting, as another CT invention was the world's first modern submarine. The Turtle was launched in 1775, changing warfare forever.

Did you know about these things invented in Connecticut? It's pretty incredible that Connecticut was the first to do these things! Do you know of any other Connecticut inventions or first-time accomplishments? Share your thoughts in the comments! Then grab some gear from Wear Your Roots to show off your Connecticut state pride.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/changes-and-inventions-from-ct/

Watch this quick video to go on a day trip to Northwest Connecticut as we enjoy a few fun things to do in the area:

State Pride|Fun Facts

Updated May 25, 2024

You May Be Surprised To Learn These 10 Famous People Are From Connecticut

Many famous celebrities, including actors, athletes, and authors, were born in Connecticut.

Updated May 25, 2024

Written by

Taylor Ellis

Celebrities have skills, talent, and looks that people envy. And, some of them, also get to call the Constitution State their birthplace. It turns out you really aren't that different from a celebrity, after all! Not only are there famous actors and actresses, but there are even Olympic athletes from CT. You may be surprised to see just how many famous people from Connecticut there are. If you're as into Connecticut trivia as we are, you'll definitely want to check out this list of celebrities from Connecticut!

1. Katharine Hepburn (Hartford)

alt — Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer via Wikimedia Commons

Katharine Hepburn is practically synonymous with old Hollywood. She was born and raised in Connecticut and loved it so much that she ended up settling in Old Saybrook. She was an important figure both on and off-screen and was an independent, assertive woman in a time when that was very uncommon.

2. Henry Ward Beecher (Litchfield)

alt — Thulstrup, Thure de, 1848-1930 (artist); L. Prang & Co. (publisher), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A preacher in the 1850s, Beecher was an activist for both abolition and women's suffrage. He published many books and President Lincoln sent him on a speaking tour of Europe to advocate for the cause of the Union in the Civil War.

3. Michael Bolton (New Haven)

Soft rock singer-songwriter sensation Michael Bolton was born and raised in New Haven. He still lives in Connecticut today, even after winning two Grammy Awards and six American Music Awards.

4. Suzanne Collins (Hartford)

alt — David Shankbone via Wikimedia Commons

You may not necessarily recognize her name, but you probably know her work. The author of "The Hunger Games" is from Hartford. It's amazing she could come up with a horrific dystopian world after living in such a picturesque state!

5. J.P. Morgan (Hartford)

alt — Internet Archive Book Images via Wikimedia Commons

J.P. Morgan was a leading financier and banker in the early 1900s. He was a major driving force behind the United States' industrialization. He was born and spent his early years in Connecticut, but his wealthy family sent him to Portugal to heal after a teenage bout with Rheumatic fever.

6. Annie Leibovitz (Waterbury)

One of the most well-known names in photography, Annie Leibovitz is a celebrity photographer like no other. Before she was photographing big names like John Lennon, she was hanging out in her hometown of Waterbury. Her father was in the military and she moved a lot as a child.

7. Christopher Lloyd (Stamford)

alt — Philip Romano via Wikimedia Commons

Doc from "Back to the Future" is from Stamford. We should've guessed that Connecticut was responsible for such a fantastic character! Christopher Lloyd has played in a number of other big-name roles, with stints in "Clue," "Star Trek III," and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit." He is definitely one of our favorite famous people from Connecticut.

8. George W. Bush (New Haven)

George W. Bush seated at a desk in the Oval Office, speaking with flags and family photos in the background. — Dhwani1989 via Wikimedia Commons

His long-term stint as governor of Texas means that people often forget Dubya was actually born in New Haven! He was born while his father George H.W. Bush was attending Yale.

9. Caitlin Cahow (New Haven)

alt — Sara Melikian via Wikimedia Commons

Caitlin Cahow, an Olympic ice hockey superstar, was a member of the U.S. Olympic team in 2008 and 2010. She graduated from the famed Hotchkiss School in Connecticut and is a spokesperson for LGBT athletes. Caitlin Cahow's hometown was New Haven, CT and she grew up in Branford, Connecticut.

10. Betsey Johnson (Waterbury)

A joyful performer in a red dress and blonde wig dances on a runway, showcasing confidence and style. — The Heart Truth via Wikimedia Commons

Chaplin Nature Center, near Arkansas City, is a Kansas Audubon center where you can see dozen of bird species on a single visit.

by Trent Jonas

on Nov 13

1. Trees are the best kind of scenery.

2. Our lobster rolls are superior to all others.

3. Our pizza is also superior to all others... New York and Chicago-style are great, but we all know apizza's where it's at.

4. You've been on a "packy run."

5. We root for the home team - go Huskies!

6. Generally, you go to the beach for strolling and appreciating the scenery, not surfing or playing in the water.

7. You always take the back road.

8. These are called grinders.

9. You know that fall tastes like apple cider donuts.

10. The fair is an annual family tradition.

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1. We were the first state to establish a constitution.

2. The first to establish a free public library in America.

3. Connecticut is home to the oldest continuously published newspaper in the country.

4. We were the first to publish a dictionary.

5. The first state to establish a law school.

6. The first to start a factory town.

7. The first to offer insurance.

8. The first to award a PhD.

9. The first to have a phone exchange.

10. The first place to serve a hamburger.

11. The first to set up a permanent public planning body in America.

12. The first folks to throw a frisbee.

13. The first to build a successfully operating helicopter.

14. The first to establish an FM radio station.

15. The first to launch an ultra high-frequency UHF television station.

16. The first to launch a nuclear submarine.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

1. Katharine Hepburn (Hartford)

2. Henry Ward Beecher (Litchfield)

3. Michael Bolton (New Haven)

4. Suzanne Collins (Hartford)

5. J.P. Morgan (Hartford)

6. Annie Leibovitz (Waterbury)

7. Christopher Lloyd (Stamford)

8. George W. Bush (New Haven)

9. Caitlin Cahow (New Haven)

10. Betsey Johnson (Waterbury)

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

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