Connecticut is known as the “Constitution State”, reflecting its historical role in drafting the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, one of the earliest written constitutions in America.[1] It is part of the United States known as New England.[2] Despite being the third smallest U.S. state in terms of total area, it is among the most densely populated states. Its greatest east-west length is approximately 110 miles, and its maximum north-south extent is about 70 miles.[3] Connecticut has a strong economy, with industries such as finance, insurance, and manufacturing playing a significant role. It is often associated with wealthy suburbs, beautiful coastline, and a rich cultural heritage. Despite being the third smallest U.S. state in terms of total area, it is among the most densely populated states.[4] Connecticut is home to over 3.6 million residents. The population has been growing consistently every decade since 1790.[5]
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History of ConnecticutHistory of Connecticut
The region that is now called Connecticut, was originally inhabited by Native American Algonquian-speaking peoples consisting of 16 separate tribes, including the Mohegan, Pequot, Niantic, Nipmuc, Mattabesic, Schaghticoke, and Paugussett people.[6] Early exploration of the Connecticut River began with Dutch traders in 1614. The first European settlers were English from England or the Massachusetts Bay Colony beginning in the 1630s.[7]
Connecticut played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. Its residents actively participated in the fight for independence. Connecticut became a state in the United States on January 9, 1788. During the 19th and 20th Centuries, Connecticut became a hub for manufacturing, particularly in industries like textiles, firearms, and clock-making. The state witnessed economic growth and urbanization, with cities like Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport flourishing.
Demographics of ConnecticutDemographics of Connecticut
According to the U.S. Census Bureau,[8], the demographic distribution of Connecticut is as follows:
- White alone: The largest racial group, accounting for 78.4% of the population.
- Black or African American alone: Approximately 12.9%.
- Asian alone: Comprising 5.2%.
- Hispanic or Latino: About 18.2%.
- White alone, not Hispanic or Latino: 63.9%
Foreign-born Population: As of 2021, 14.8% of Connecticut residents were born outside of the country, totaling approximately 534,000 people.
Most common surnames in ConnecticutMost common surnames in Connecticut
According to the Forebears.io website,[9] the ten most common names in Connecticut are:
| Surname | Incidence | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Smith | 20,620 | 1:179 |
| Johnson | 12,994 | 1:283 |
| Brown | 12,715 | 1:290 |
| Williams | 11,495 | 1:320 |
| Miller | 9,302 | 1:396 |
| Jones | 8,889 | 1:414 |
| Davis | 8,148 | 1:452 |
| Anderson | 7,971 | 1:462 |
| Rodríguez | 7,929 | 1:464 |
| Rivera | 6,908 | 1:533 |
Researching family history in ConnecticutResearching family history in Connecticut
The National Archives Branch for Connecticut is in Boston, Massachusetts.[10] This branch collects documents from several New England states. The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History has collections of town records, biographies, manuscripts, families, early settlers, church records, photos, and maps. The Connecticut State Library has another major collection of historic document and has extensive digital collections.[11] Additional resources are available from the Connecticut Society of Genealogists, the Godfrey Memorial Library, and the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven.
Connecticut county listConnecticut county list
| Fairfield | Hartford | Litchfield | Middlesex |
| New Haven | New London | Tolland |
See alsoSee also
Explore more about ConnecticutExplore more about Connecticut
MyHeritage has 216 collections with 9,444,605 Connecticut records, that include the Connecticut Death Index, 1949-2012, Connecticut Newspapers 1791-2009, U.S. Naturalization Records, New England, 1791-1906 and Connecticut, Births. There are other collections available in the Connecticut - Collection Catalog.
References
- ↑ Connecticut | Flag, Facts, Maps, & Points of Interest. Encyclopedia Britannica
- ↑ What states make up New England? Tulley Mazda
- ↑ Connecticut. History Channel
- ↑ CT.gov - Connecticut’s Official State Website
- ↑ Editorial: Census says CT population is growing. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? CT Post
- ↑ Connecticut Indian Tribes and Languages
- ↑ Connecticut - Colonial, Revolutionary, Industrial. Encyclopedia Britannica
- ↑ Connecticut
- ↑ Most Common Surnames in Connecticut, With Meanings
- ↑ National Archives at Boston (Waltham, Massachusetts). National Archives
- ↑ Connecticut Digital Archive