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On this day – Connecticut becomes our 5th State
January 9
On January 9, 1788, Connecticut ratified the Constitution, making it the 5th state. It was a patriot stronghold during the American Revolution and later, a hotbed of industry, producing such innovations as vulcanized rubber, cylindrical locks, and the combat submarine. 👟🔒⚓️
Did you know? Connecticut is home to the oldest continuously running newspaper in the country – the Hartford Courant. 🗞 📰 🗞 Established in 1764, the paper predates the United States. George Washington once ran ads in the paper to lease Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson sued it for libel (he lost).
What’s in a name? Connecticut comes from the Mohegan word “quinnehtukqut” with roughly translates to “along the long tidal river.” It refers to the Connecticut River, the longest in New England, which runs from New Hampshire through the center of Connecticut into the Sound.
East Rock, New Haven, John Ferguson Weir, c. 1901
-Written by Anna Zemaitaitis, Communications and Design Officer
