Connecticut State Facts and Trivia

Connecticut Facts and Trivia

1. The first telephone book ever issued contained only fifty names. The New Haven District Telephone Company published it in New Haven in February 1878.
2. The USS Nautilus - the world's first nuclear-powered submarine was built in Groton in 1954.
3. Connecticut and Rhode Island never ratified the 18th Amendment (Prohibition).
4. In 1705, copper was discovered in Simsbury. Later, the copper mine became the infamous New-Gate Prison of the Revolutionary War. Doctor Samuel Higley of Simsbury started the first copper coinage in America in 1737.
5. The Scoville Memorial Library is the United States' oldest public library. The library collection began in 1771, when Richard Smith, the owner of a local blast furnace, used community contributions to buy 200 books in London. Patrons could borrow and return books on the third Monday of every third month. Fees were collected for damages, the most common being "greasing" by wax dripped from the candles by which the patrons read.
6. Cattle branding in the United States began in Connecticut when farmers were required by law to mark all of their pigs.
7. In Hartford, you may not, under any circumstances, cross the street walking on your hands!
8. Connecticut is home to the oldest U.S. newspaper still being published: The Hartford Courant, established in 1764.
9. Connecticut has approx. 144 newspapers published in the State (daily, Sunday, weekly and monthly).
10. Connecticut is home to the first hamburger (1895), Polaroid camera (1934), helicopter (1939), and color television (1948).
11. The first automobile law was passed by the state of CT in 1901. The speed limit was set at 12 miles per hour.
12. The first lollipop-making machine opened for business in New Haven in 1908. George Smith named the treat after a popular racehorse.
13. In 1937, Connecticut became the first state to issue permanent license plates for cars.
14. Bristol, CT is considered the "Mum City" of the USA because of the many Chrysanthemums are grown and sold to various states and Canada
15. Connecticut State insect is the Praying Mantis.
16. Connecticut's most important crops are dairy, poultry, forest and nursery, tobacco, vegetables, and fruit.
17. Connecticut's motto is Qui Transtulit Sustinet -- "He Who Transplanted Still Sustains".
18. In colonial New Haven cut pumpkins were used as guides for haircuts to ensure a round uniform style. Because of this fashion, these New Englanders were nicknamed "pumpkin-heads."
19. B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill is the only steam-powered Cider Mill in the United States and is located in Mystic.
20. In 1728, the first steel mill operating in America was located in Simsbury.
21. PEZ� Candy is made in the city of Orange.
22. Hartford has remained the capital city of Connecticut since 1875.