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 overlooked, 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 things invented in Connecticut 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.

3. Connecticut is home to the oldest continuously published newspaper in the country.

The Hartford Courant has been published since October 29, 1764.

4. We were the first to publish a dictionary.

The household item known as the Webster Dictionary was published by Noah Webster in Hartford in 1783.

5. The first state to establish a law school.

Litchfield Law School was established in 1784 and some of its graduates include John C. Calhoun and Aaron Burr.

6. The first to start a factory town.

Planned and established in 1806, the town of Seymour was eager to improve the area's wealth.

7. The first to offer insurance.

Formerly the ITT Hartford Group, Inc., The Hartford started covering "loss of life or personal injury while journeying by railway or steamboat" in 1810.

8. The first to award a PhD.

In 1861, Yale University bestowed one of their students with a PhD in Philosophy.

9. The first to have a phone exchange.

Achieved in 1877, you can thank New Haven for the superior communication network we have today!

10. The first place to serve a hamburger.

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.

When Hartford's Commission on the City Plan met in 1907, they made history. But their real goal was just to make a difference!

12. The first folks to throw a frisbee.

One of the best things made in 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.

Connecticut resident Igor Sikorsky designed the first successful helicopter in 1939. It was the first in the whole Western Hemisphere.

14. The first to establish an FM radio station.

WDRC-FM began broadcasting in Hartford back in 1939.

15. The first to launch an ultra high-frequency UHF television station.

Starting in 1949, KC2XAK in Bridgeport operated every day.

16. The first to launch a nuclear submarine.

The U.S.S. Nautilus was built by General Dynamics in Groton, CT and launched into the Thames River 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 things invented in Connecticut? It's pretty incredible that Connecticut was the first to do these things! Do you know of any other Connecticut inventions or first-time accomplishments? Share your thoughts in the comments! Then grab some gear from Wear Your Roots to show off your Connecticut state pride.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/changes-and-inventions-from-ct/

Watch this quick video to go on a day trip to Northwest Connecticut as we enjoy a few fun things to do in the area: