It is the unique goal of many travel adventurers to visit all 50 states in America. To boost this objective, each week, we shall explore one state. Alphabetically, the seventh state to visit is none other than Connecticut, abbreviated as CT. Regardless of the order in which you visit them, Connecticut is one of the most interesting states to explore!
Visit state # 7 – Connecticut
| State Motto | Qui transtulit sustinet (He who transplanted still sustains) |
| State Flower | Mountain Laurel |
| State Bird | American robin |
| State Gemstone | Almandine garnet |
| State Capital | Hartford |
| Famous foods | The lobster roll, apple cider, steamed cheeseburgers, hot dogs, “Apizza.” |
The seventh U.S. state alphabetically is none other than historic Connecticut. Its statehood was granted on January 9, 1788, and it was the fifth of the original 13 states to join the union. Connecticut is loved for its shoreline beaches, urban skylines, bountiful forests and hills, and its rich colonial history. The state is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, New York to the west, and the Long Island Sound to the south. Historically, it is part of the tri-state area along with New York and New Jersey. The state name is derived from the Mohegan-Pequot word meaning “long tidal river,” and the Connecticut River bisects the state. The Dutch were the first Europeans to settle near the Hartford area and were followed by the English from the Massachusetts colony of Plymouth, who sought to establish trading positions for beaver pelts. As home to Yale University, founded in 1701, Connecticut is also known for its long tradition in promoting education.
Among the top-rated tourist attractions that Connecticut is admired for includes Mystic Seaport, the largest and most impressive maritime museum in the United States. It is noted for its vast collection of sailing ships and boats. The museum covers 19 acres on the Mystic River in the quintessential town of Mystic, CT. The Seaport Museum includes a recreated New England coastal village where folks can stroll and meet knowledgeable historians, storytellers, craftspeople, and musicians who share the town’s vibrant seafaring stories. Stroll the waterfront, climb aboard vessels such as the 1841 whaler, the Charles W. Morgan, and view many interesting exhibits. Then, take a guided tour of the Henry B. Dupont Preservation Shipyard and Watercraft Hall, which houses over 500 historical sea vessels. The coastal town of Mystic features a historic downtown complete with shops and restaurants, a charming drawbridge, and activities such as a nature center, an arts center, and an aquarium.
The densely populated state of Connecticut is said to be sometimes overlooked by visitors because travelers tend to head to New York or Boston. However, it is a premier destination for those who enjoy its urban-industrial vibe as well as easy access to boating and time in nature. For those who love the outdoors, Gillette Castle State Park is not to be missed. The park is situated on a 184-acre estate in East Haddam. The property showcases a 24-room medieval castle built in 1919, which was home of the actor who played the original Sherlock Holmes, William Hooker Gillette. The walking trails through the estate feature wooden trestles and arched bridges. Folks can view the Hebron Formation, a rock formation within the park that attracts mineral enthusiasts. The setting of the park is often described as breathtaking, and it showcases the natural beauty of the region. Pack a picnic basket and take advantage of the great surroundings on a lovely spring or summer day.
Connecticut is a state full of surprises. Though widely known for its colonial history, Connecticut played an important part in the history of modern architecture. In fact, some of the earliest modernist homes in the United States were built there. This includes Winterhouse, built-in 1932 by artist Ezra Winter. Winter was famous for his murals of The Canterbury Tales in the Library of Congress and for the Fountain of Youth in Radio City Music Hall. Due to the state’s immense green space and proximity to New York City, Connecticut became the hub of The Harvard Five, architects who built modern homes for themselves and their clients in the 1940s. From its delightful beaches to plentiful parks, its colonial past to its modern history, and its maritime scene to metropolitan vibe, a trip to this intriguing state is purely pleasurable.
