State of Connecticut
Nicknames: The Constitution State, The Nutmeg State
Motto(s): Qui transtulit sustinet (He who transplanted sustains)
Date of Statehood: January 9, 1788 (5th state)
State Song: “Yankee Doodle”
Connecticut Flag History
The flag of Connecticut, officially adopted in 1897, is deeply rooted in the state’s history and reflects its colonial heritage. The flag features a white shield with three grapevines on a field of azure blue. Each grapevine bears three bunches of purple grapes, symbolizing the three original settlements of the state (Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield) and their perseverance and sustenance.
The banner below the shield reads the state motto, “Qui transtulit sustinet,” which means “He who transplanted sustains.” This motto reflects the belief that those who move to new places will prosper there, a nod to the state’s early settlers and their successful establishment of thriving communities.
The choice of azure blue as the flag’s background is significant; it represents the skies and the waters of Connecticut, essential elements in the state’s history and daily life. The flag’s design, unchanged since its adoption, symbolizes the state’s tradition, the fertility of its land, and the steadfastness of its people. It’s a daily reminder of Connecticut’s rich historical legacy and its commitment to growth and prosperity.
Connecticut Quick Facts
Capital City: Hartford
Abbreviation: CT
Population: Approximately 3.6 million
Region: Northeast, New England
Origin of State Name: Derived from the Mohegan-Pequot word “Quinnehtukqut,” meaning “beside the long tidal river”
Sports Teams: No major professional sports teams, significant presence in college sports
Bordering States: New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island
Area Codes: 203, 475, 860, 959
Highest Point: Mount Frissell at 2,380 feet (725 meters)
Lowest Point: Long Island Sound
Geography of Connecticut
Area: 5,567 square miles (14,357 square kilometers), 48th largest
Land: 4,842 square miles (12,542 square kilometers), 48th largest
Water: 725 square miles (1,877 square kilometers), 32nd largest
Coastline: 96 miles (154 kilometers)
Shoreline: 618 miles (995 kilometers), including bays and harbors
Largest Cities:
- Bridgeport
- New Haven
- Stamford
- Hartford
- Waterbury
- Norwalk
- Danbury
- New Britain
- Meriden
- Bristol
- West Haven
- Milford
- Middletown
- Norwich
- Shelton
National Parks:
- Weir Farm National Historic Site
Connecticut State Symbols
Living Insignia
State Bird: American Robin
State Animal: Sperm Whale
State Amphibian: American Green Frog
State Butterfly: European Mantle (Nymphalis antiopa)
State Fish: American Shad
State Flower: Mountain Laurel
State Horse Breed: Morgan Horse
State Insect: European Praying Mantis
State Mammal: Sperm Whale
State Reptile: Eastern Box Turtle
Inanimate Insignia
State Fruit: None
State Gemstone: Garnet
State Soil: Windsor
State Tree: Charter Oak
State Quarter: Issued in 1999 featuring The Charter Oak tree
State Beverage: None
State Colors: Blue and White
State Dance: Square Dance
State Food: None
State Fossil: Eubrontes giganteus
State Mineral: Almandine Garnet
State Rock: None