Connecticut State Geography

So you want to know about Connecticut? Here are some highlights! Also check out the links to other sites about Connecticut.

Key Facts

Population (1994): 3,275,000 (27th in size)

State size: 5,018 square miles (48th in size)

State Capital: Hartford (named after the city of Hartford in England)

Major cities: Hartford, Bridgeport and New Haven

Admission to union: The 5th State

Date entered the union: January 9, 1788

Origin of state name: Named from the indian word "quinnitukq-ut" meaning "at the long tidal river" the name given to the Connecticut River.

Nicknames: The Constitution State

Bordering states: New York State, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with Long Island Sound on the south.

State bird: American Robin

State flower: Mountain Laurel

State tree: White Oak

Motto: Who Transplanted Sustains

Connecticut is located along the Long Island Sound. The coast has many scenic locations.

The coast has many scenic locations like the restored whaling village and "living museum," Mystic Seaport.

At Dinosaur State Park, in Rocky Hill, you can see dinosaur tracks.

Major industries include insurance companies, along with helicopter and submarine manufacturing, and dairy and tabacco farming.

First explored by the Dutch in 1614, and colonized by the British in 1630, Connecticut was one of the original 13 states.

Eli Whitney patented the cotton gin in 1794.

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