Connecticut is New England’s
second smallest and southernmost state.
Its 5,009 square miles are bordered by New York State on the west, Rhode Island
on the east, Massachusetts on the north and by Long Island sound on the south.
While Connecticut was first explored by the Dutch, who founded trading posts,
the first permanent settlements were made by English Puritans from Massachusetts,
starting in 1633.
Agriculture and trade were primary activities of 17th century colonists, but because
of limited land Connecticut people quickly turned to manufacturing.
From 1703 to 1875, Connecticut had two capitals; sessions of the General Assembly
met alternately in Hartford and New Haven.
Since then, the capital has been Hartford.
When Connecticut was still a colony, her factories were already important enough
to draw angry complaints from competitors in England. |
Connecticut metal buttons were
replacing the imported product and were providing the start of Connecticut’s
great brass industry.
Through the years, Connecticut industrial genius has given the world such varied
inventions as vulcanized rubber, friction matches, sewing machines, steamboats,
safety fuses, lollipops, cork screws, mechanical calculators, cylindrical locks
and the submarine.
Today, Connecticut’s manufacturing industry continues to be highly diversified.
Jet aircraft engines, helicopters and nuclear submarines have given the state
pre-eminence in the production of transportation equipment.
Connecticut also is a leader in such highly skilled and technical fields as metalworking,
electronics and plastics. |
