Are you thinking about an international relocation to the Constitution State, one of the most charming ones in the United States? Are you interested in finding out what is Connecticut known for? Then you have come to the right place! This indeed is one of the smallest US states, but Connecticutians have a lot to be proud of. So without further ado, let’s see why do people go to Connecticut and what is Connecticut famous for.
Is Connecticut Famous for Anything? Things You Probably Didn’t Know About CT
Since you’re moving to Connecticut, you should know that there’s a long list of things this place is famous for. The curiosity to find out all about it is normal, especially for someone who’s moving across the world. We can only say this: CT is definitely among the best places to live abroad. Before you call your chosen international movers and start packing, take a more in-depth look into this beautiful state and its history.
- Before Europeans colonized the region, this land was inhabited by many Native American tribes like the Mohegans, Paugussets, and the Pequots. They all spoke different languages that came from the Algonquian language group. Today’s name actually comes from the Algonquian word “quinetucket,” meaning “long tidal river,” “beside the long, tidal river,” or “upon the long river.”
- As soon as you start living overseas and settle in CT, be sure to learn its patriotic song “Yankee Doodle.” Allegedly, the lyrics came from British surgeon Dr. Richard Shuckburgh when he wanted to make fun of the state governor’s son’s appearance and his troops during the French and Indian War in 1755.
- The official state animal is the sperm whale. During the 1800’s CT was among the first states in the American whaling industry, and the sperm whale was most sought after. Today, this species is endangered, and that’s another reason it was officially selected as the state animal in 1975.
- New Haven was the first place that issued a telephone book in 1878. It featured only about 50 names.
- Connecticut’s Hartford Courant is the oldest continuously published newspaper in the country. The first issue was published in 1764.
- CT and Rhode Island were the only two states that voted against the 18th amendment. The amendment prohibited the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages, but CT refused to make it law.
- Mary Dixon Kies, born in CT, was the first woman to receive a US patent. She invented a new technique of straw weaving with silk.
- Hartford is one of the best places to live in Connecticut. However, flying a kite on its streets is strictly forbidden.
- In 1901, CT set the first-speed limit laws for vehicles. Anyone with a car was forbidden to drive faster than 12 miles per hour.
- CT is one of the best places to live abroad with family. If you’re moving internationally with your little ones, you’ll find many family-friendly activities, including Mystic Aquarium, Lake Compounce, and CT Science Center.
What Are Fun Facts About Connecticut?
Considering that CT is the third smallest state in the US, it sure does have a surprisingly rich past. Let’s take a look at some fun facts:
- Modern-day CT has been inhabited for over 10,000 years, long before the first Europeans arrived. The very first people who lived on the land were the Paleo-Indians. They came from modern-day Russia and were semi-nomadic.
- Adriaen Block, the Dutch explorer, was the first European who came to CT. Block and his men explored the area of today’s capital Hartford.
- While men from the Netherlands first arrived on the land, they actually never established a permanent settlement. First Europeans who settled in CT were English Puritans. This group of Protestants believed that the church has to be purified from Roman Catholic influence, and they’ve separated from the Church of England.
- Connecticut’s early days were marked by independence and political freedom. As a result, they created so-called Fundamental Orders in 1639. In Western culture, this was the very first written constitution. That’s how CT earned its famous nickname.
- Until the 19th-century, the CT region was mostly used for agricultural purposes. Fortunately, there were quite a few innovative entrepreneurial pioneers. For example, Eli Whitney came up with the idea of manufacturing gun parts. He opened a musket factory in the 19th-century, which was one of the earliest examples of shifting from agriculture to the manufacturing industry in CT.
- The first nuclear submarine USS Nautilus was built in CT in 1954. Powered by a nuclear reactor, this submarine could travel longer than any other at the time. The sub was decommissioned in 1980 and is permanently docked in the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton.
- One of the biggest gaps between poor and rich in the United States can be found in CT. In 2013, CT had the largest income per capita in the nation, sitting at $60,845. That same year, the largest number of millionaires per capita was living in Connecticut, which skewed its income per capita data.
- CT’s official state hero, Nathan Hale, was a spy. During the American Revolution, he was a Continental Army soldier and lost his life when caught by enemy forces. Hale was hung by the neck at the age of 21.
- Bush presidents were both born in CT. George H. W. Bush, sometimes referred to as Bush Senior, was born in Greenwich, a city where he had spent most of his youth. George W. Bush was born in New Haven but grew up in Houston.
History Buffs Must Visit These Museums
Whether you’re into historic homes or art, CT’s museums have something for everyone. You can certainly find answers on what is Connecticut known for just by visiting them. Moving overseas is challenging, and history buffs will indeed be able to relax in these fantastic museums.
Exhibitions on the View: Yale University Art Gallery
CT is home to one of the most prestigious Ivy League universities. Yale University was founded in 1701 and is the third-oldest such institution in the United States. The mission of Yale University Art Gallery is to encourage dialogue among its students and the wider public on various topics. The Gallery was founded in 1832 and today holds more than 200,000 objects in its collection. This collection includes artifacts from all over the world. You’ll see everything from ancient Roman coins, George Washington’s full-size portrait painted by John Trumbull, and a custom-made teapot by Paul Revere to The Night Cafe by Vincent van Gogh. When December ends, check out the Gallery’s sculpture garden. Also, the entrance fee is complimentary.
Enjoy the Wonderful Art at Yale Center for British Art
The largest collection of UK art outside of its borders is situated at Yale Center for British Art. Here, you’ll see some of the finest Great Britain art pieces, including those by John Constable, J. M. W. Turner, Thomas Gainsborough, Joshua Reynolds, and William Blake. YCBA collection also includes artworks of British subjects or art created in the UK by non-Brits. For example, you’ll catch a stunning Warwick Castle by Canaletto on the fourth floor.
Mystic Seaport: Explore the 19th-Century Seafaring Village
Located in Mystic, Mystic Seaport Museum is the largest maritime museum in the nation. Its recreated 19th-century coastal village is absolutely worth exploring. But of course, the focal point are museums’ boats. Here you’ll have the opportunity to see the last surviving wooden whale ship: Charles W. Morgan. You can spend the whole day climbing ships, watching craftsmen at work, and even have a picnic with your friends and family.
Native American History: Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center
Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center is one of the nation’s best Native American museums. It features arts, history, and culture and uses interactive displays and multimedia to thoughtfully present the tribe’s evolution as well as its struggles to survive. To experience everyday life in a Native American village, be sure to sign up for an audio tour. However, remember that this museum is open only from April through November (hours are reduced in November).
Don’t Miss a Tour of Mark Twain House
Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, wrote his famous book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer in CT. His former Gothic-style home is now turned into a museum. National Geographic named Mark Twain House among the best historic homes in the whole world. Be sure to sign up for a tour and see where Twain ate, worked, and slept. Regular writing workshops, ghost tours, and talks about the author are on the schedule.
What Is Connecticut Known for When It Comes to Sports Teams?
While CT doesn’t host Major League Baseball, NFL, NBA, NHL, or Major League Soccer teams, it does have some minor-league sports teams. Sports fans will be happy to hear about following Connecticut’s professional sports teams:
- Baseball: Hartford Yard Goats and Norwich Sea Unicorns.
- Basketball: CT Sun, professional women basketball team.
- Hockey: Bridgeport Sound Tigers and the CT Whale.
- Lacrosse: New England Black Wolves is a box lacrosse team based in Uncasville.
- Soccer: Hartford Athletic is a soccer team that plays in the United Soccer League.
What Food Is Connecticut Known For?
Did you know that CT is the hamburger’s birthplace? In 1900, the first hamburger was created in Louis’ Lunch, a still-operating restaurant in New Haven. The story tells that the owner at the time, Louis Lassen, put together a couple of simple food ingredients for a customer who was in a hurry. Louis’ Lunch is today owned and run by the fourth generation of Lassens.
Apart from the first hamburgers, CT can also offer their own pizza version, so-called Apizza. Also recognized as New Haven-style pizza, Apizza is cooked in a coal-fired oven and is famous for its thin and crispy crust. Some of the best ones can be tasted at Sally’s Apizza, Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana, and Modern Apizza.
Connecticut’s Craft Beer Breweries
The CT craft brew industry is thriving. On the one hand, small start-ups are getting more attention and are deciding to expand their current establishments. On the other, well-established brewers are bringing out new releases. If you’re moving with dogs or children, know that many are pet- and family-friendly. Also, if you’re moving to another country for love, and you and your partner love exploring new tastes, be sure to visit some of the following breweries:
Hire a Reliable and Efficient International Moving Company
In conclusion, CT is a small place with a rich history, exciting attractions, and interesting people. You are probably super excited because you’ll soon start living in such a wonderful place! When you decide to start with your relocation process, be sure to find reliable international moving services. Moving abroad during coronavirus time is challenging, but professional movers will make sure that everything runs smoothly. You’ll definitely avoid so-called moving stress if you decide to book packing services, especially because they also come with full equipment of boxes and moving supplies. If you’re coming from a non-English speaking country, be sure to break the language barrier by contacting Connecticut international movers and booking their storage units and overseas vehicle shipping services.
Remember also to gather all documents needed to travel abroad before the move and start learning a language abroad as soon as you arrive. We also highly recommend looking up a couple of tips on how to keep in touch with friends, especially until you find expat communities and adjust to Connecticut’s environment.
