10 Quirky Facts About Connecticut That Sound Made Up (But Are 100% True)

Connecticut has an unfair reputation as a boring state, but we are actually quite an interesting place. From our restaurants to our parks and historical landmarks, the Nutmeg State has plenty to offer.

Because we're an older state, it's only natural that many things were invented in Connecticut; the world can thank us for hamburgers, lollipops, and a few other everyday items. Curious to learn more? Here are 10 quirky facts about Connecticut that almost sound false, but are totally true.

1. The City of Essex Was Invaded by a Foreign Power

The history of Essex, Connecticut, is quite fascinating. Not many cities in the U.S. have ever been captured by a foreign power, but Essex was. During the War of 1812, the British army captured the town of Essex, then known as Potopaug. The army held the town for just a few hours before fleeing the area, but 28 ships were destroyed during the battle.

2. We Built the World's First Nuclear Submarine

There are plenty of interesting inventions from Connecticut, but one of the most notable is the first functional nuclear-powered submarine. The USS Nautilus was built in 1954 and set records by traveling underneath the Arctic ice cap. The submarine was retired in 1980 and is now on display at the Submarine Force Museum in Groton.

3. The State Insect, the Praying Mantis, Is Not Native

The European mantis (Mantis religiosa) is the official state insect of Connecticut, but it's actually not even native to America. The insects were originally from Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and temperate parts of Asia, and were not introduced to the U.S. until the late 1800s, when they were brought over for pest control.

4. More Than 60% of the State Is Forest

Sure, some winding roads and the occasional park level some of the trees and mossy grass across the state, but the majority of land still contains the forest environment, which is crucial to Connecticut's wildlife and natural ecosystem. There's truly nothing like stepping outside your door and being immediately immersed in nature—or going on a forest hike.

5. We're the Third-Smallest, but Sixth Most Densely Populated State

By area, Connecticut is the third-smallest state, but it's also the sixth most densely populated one, behind D.C., New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Puerto Rico, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. In other words, we've fit a lot of history, culture, and life into a small space.

6. The State Once Had 2 State Capitals

From colonial times, there was a rivalry between the settlements at New Haven and Hartford, Connecticut. In 1701, the two cities were named co-capitals, with separate capital buildings. The General Assembly met in New Haven once a year and Hartford six months later.

The policy of dual capitals was re-examined in the 1860s, when it was determined that the cost of maintaining two buildings and separate records was too expensive. A public vote was administered, and in 1875, Hartford became the official (sole) capital of Connecticut.

7. Only One President Was Born Here

Former President George W. Bush is pretty famously associated with the state of Texas, where he served as governor and lives today. But he was actually born in New Haven, Connecticut in 1946, and his paternal grandfather was a Senator representing Connecticut in the 1950s.

8. The Law Says a Pickle Must Bounce To Be... a Pickle

This one appears on a lot of strange laws in Connecticut lists. In 1948, a pair of pickle salesmen were arrested for selling pickles considered "unfit for human consumption." When interviewed about their arrest, the Connecticut Food and Drug Commissioner stated that you should be able to drop a pickle from the height of one foot and it should bounce.

9. We Had the First-Ever Speed Limit

The first speed limit ever posted on the roads in the U.S. was in Connecticut in 1901. At the time, you couldn't drvie past 12 miles per hour on city roads and 15 miles per hour on country roads. While those numbers have changed quite a bit over the years (most highways in the state have a 65 mile-per-hour limit), the beginnings of road safety have stuck around.

10. We Published the First Phone Book

The first telephone directory was published in Connecticut in 1878 and was a simple sheet of cardboard. It listed 50 individuals and businesses from around the New Haven area. All of the listed places had telephones, but callers looking to reach them would have to go through an operator to do so.

Were you familiar with any of these fun facts about Connecticut? Discover more of what the Nutmeg State has to offer by planning a trip with Only In Your State's itinerary planner.