Connecticut

Connecticut (State)

Area: 5018 sq. mi.

Population: 3.3 million

Capital: Hartford

Popular names: Constitution State, Nutmeg State

The relatively small state of Connecticut (from the Indian quinnehtukqut, "on the long tidal river") in the north-eastern United States lies between Long Island Sound on the Atlantic and the foothills of the northern Appalachians. The hilly western part of the state, rising to a height of 2380 ft in Mount Frissell, is separated from the gently rolling country, up to 1000 ft high, of the eastern part by the wide valley (up to 20 mi. across) of the Connecticut River. The temperate climate, with warm summers and abundant snow in winter, makes possible a wide variety of outdoor activities throughout the year, with bathing in the Atlantic in summer and skiing in the Mohawk Mountains in winter. The forests of deciduous trees (mainly oak, chestnut, hickory and poplar) make the state's "Indian summer" in autumn a memorable experience. History The land on the Connecticut River was settled by Indians long before the coming of the Europeans. In 1614 a Dutchman, Adrian Block, explored the course of the river, and twenty years later English Puritans founded Windsor, the first permanent white settlement. The local Pequot Indians put up a stubborn resistance, which was not overcome until 1637. In 1662 the British colony was granted a considerable degree of self-government, with its own constitution. In 1776 the independent state of Connecticut was proclaimed, and on January 9th 1788 it became the fifth state of the Union.

Economy Soon after the Declaration of Independence the state's economy began to develop rapidly. One of the factors in this development was Connecticut's abundant supply of water power, which made possible a remarkably early process of industrialisation. The timber industry, shipbuilding, arms production and engineering are still major pillars of the economy; but the proximity of markets in neighbouring cities has also provided a powerful stimulus to the development of agriculture (particularly dairy farming, poultry and fruit and vegetable growing). Tobacco growing enjoys a fine tradition in the valley of the Connecticut River - the best Havana wrappers come from Connecticut.