CONNECTICUT

This state is bounded N. by Massachusetts, E. by Rhode Island, S. by Long Island Sound, and W. by New York. Situated between 40°58' and 42°1'N. lat., and 72°37' and 71°43'W. lon.

The territory of Connecticut was formerly two colonies:—Connecticut and New Haven. The colony of Connecticut was planted by citizens of Massachusetts, at Windsor, in 1633, and at Hartford and Wethersfield, in 1635 and 1636. The colony of New Haven was settled by Englishmen, in 1638. In 1665, the two colonies were united by a charter granted by Charles the Second. This charter was the basis of the government till 1818, when the present constitution was formed.

Connecticut is divided into the eight following counties—Hartford, New Haven, New London, Fairfield, Windham, Litchfield, Middlesex, and Tolland. The face of the state is greatly diversified by hills and valleys. In general it is so exceeding undulating or uneven, as to present an everchanging variety of objects. The ranges of mountains from the north, which terminate near New Haven, are not remarkable for their elevation in this state. Connecticut is finely watered by the noble river from which it derives its name, by the Thames, Housatonick, Naugatuck, and other smaller streams. The soil varies from a gravelly loam on the hills, to a rich and exceedingly fertile alluvial in the valleys. The former is more particularly adapted to grazing, the latter to tillage. These lands, in possession of an industrious class of freemen, yield, in great abundance, all the varieties of products common to a northern climate. The mineral resources of the state are not yet fully developed; but iron and copper ores of excellent qualities are found; also, lead, cobalt, marble and freestone. The mineral waters at Stafford are the most celebrated. Manufacturing establishments are scattered over the state, on its numerous delightful streams; and foreign commerce, the coasting trade, and fisheries, enjoy an enviable position on the waters of Long Island Sound.

Blessed with a salubrious climate and fertile country, the people of Connecticut probably enjoy as much happiness as is alotted to any part of the human family. Her population is always full, and although her domain is not extensive, no Atlantic state has sent so many of her children, or so large a share of intellectual wealth, to the western country, as Connecticut.

If the love of liberty, literature, and the arts, of social feeling and moral worth has an asylum on earth, Connecticut may boast that it is to be found within her bosom.

Hayward's New England Gazetteer (1839)

New England > Connecticut

CONNECTICUT

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