Everywhere you go in Willimantic, it seems like you run into frogs. They adorn businesses, the local bridge, and even the city seal has a croaker on it. Frogs have been associated with Willimantic for centuries, dating all the way back to the mid-1700s. But many people don't know the history. So come along with us on an hoppin' (sorry about the pun!) adventure in this Connecticut town to answer the question, "Why are frogs a symbol of Connecticut?" The answers may just surprise you!
This is one of our favorite tidbits of Connecticut history! The American bullfrog is a species commonly found in the state. They typically inhabit areas near ponds or lakes.
What's now known as the "Battle of the Frogs" occurred in Windham, a town that has a pond that makes a great sanctuary for bullfrogs.
Back in 1754, the French and Indian War broke out. The French colonies and British colonies fought against one another, helped by local Native American tribes.
Needless to say, residents of Connecticut were nervous. Attacks from French settlers and Native tribes from Canada could come at virtually any time. The area was suffering from a prolonged drought and tensions were quite high.
One quiet June night, citizens of Windham were awakened by what they believed to be war drums and the chaos of an enemy attack. The colonists awakened, many fleeing outside in their nightclothes armed with weapons.
Come morning, it was discovered that the "enemy attack" was actually the sounds of frogs battling. Their territory had been diminished by the drought and males were competing for females.
Reportedly, there were hundreds of dead frogs lying on either side of the small pond. Tongue-in-cheek tales of the great Battle of the Frogs spread far and wide. Frogs ended up becoming a symbol of the area, and even appear on a bridge connecting the two sides of the Willimantic River.
A visit to Willimantic today will show you plenty of frogs on local shop and restaurant logos, like this one from the Willimantic Brewing Company.
There were even ballads composed about the mighty frog fight, and an 1891 operetta.
The Windham Bank, chartered in 1832, (more than 80 years after the Battle of the Frogs), released banknotes with the town symbol. In the right corner, the victorious frog lies atop his dead foe.
So, if someone were to ask you, “Why are frogs a symbol of Connecticut?,” you’d know what to tell them!
Did you know about this interesting story from Connecticut history? Are there are any things about the history of Connecticut from your perspective that you'd like to share with our other readers? We'd love to read about your experiences in the comments section below. And don't forget to share your fun frog pics, too!
For a little more Connecticut history, be sure to read The Oldest Building In Connecticut Has Been Standing Since 1639.
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 Nutmeg State adventures, take a look at this video:
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