Some People Don't Know That Connecticut Was The First To Do These 16 Things
By Taylor Ellis|Updated on June 05, 2023(Originally published May 31, 2023)
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Taylor Ellis
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Taylor Ellis grew up in southern Connecticut. She is a social boss who has worked with several major sites and brands. Follow her at taylorellisblogger.com
If you’re a lover of all things Connecticut, you already know what a great state this is. Connecticut will always be first in our hearts, but it also stands true that there are quite a few things CT did first. This tiny state often gets forgotten, but the truth is that we have a long-standing history in Connecticut. America has a lot of things to thank us for: The list of CT inventions is practically endless! Of course, that makes sense, as we’re one of the oldest states. Without further ado, here’s a list of Connecticut firsts that just might blow your mind.
1. We were the first state to establish a constitution.
Ever wondered where our nickname of the Constitution State came from? Our constitution was adopted in 1639 and it established a representative government for the Colony of Connecticut.
2. The first to establish a free public library in America.
The Scoville Memorial Library in Salisbury, CT started as a community collection run by a local furnace owner in 1771. He imported 200 books from London and allowed locals to borrow the books at no charge. In 1810, the town voted to use public funds to purchase more books, making this the first publicly-funded free library in the country.
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3. Connecticut is home to the oldest continuously published newspaper in the country.
Formerly the ITT Hartford Group, Inc., The Hartford started covering "loss of life or personal injury while journeying by railway or steamboat" in 1810.
This one's actually a bit controversial, but according to the restaurant's owners (and the Library of Congress), Louis' Lunch in New Haven, CT invented the hamburger. The restaurant began selling the culinary classic in 1895.
11. The first to set up a permanent public planning body in America.
One of the best inventions from Connecticut is the Frisbee. Back in the 1940s, college kids would toss around metal pie tins that were made by the Frisbie Pie Company. The first plastic versions were mass-produced in 1948.
13. The first to build a successfully-operating helicopter.
It was launched in New London in 1954. This is pretty interesting, as another CT invention was the world's first modern submarine. The Turtle was launched in 1775, changing warfare forever.
Did you know about these Connecticut firsts? It’s pretty incredible that Connecticut was the first to do these things! Do you know of any other things CT did first? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Connecticut Was The First To Do These Things
Lisa Sammons|June 05, 2023
What are some more inventions from Connecticut?
There were actually quite a few things CT did first!:
Essex, CT is one of just a few American cities that's been invaded by a foreign power. It was held by the British for a few hours during the War of 1812.
The state insect of Connecticut, the praying mantis, is not actually native to the Nutmeg State.
Though Connecticut is the third-smallest state by land mass, it's the fifth most densely-populated state!
