Connecticut Travelogue
Articles
Travelogues
By Tom Kirvan
Constitution State captures the essence of New England
Connecticut, the southernmost state in New England, offers a delightful blend of colonial history, coastal beauty, charming small towns, and modern sophistication. With a population of approximately 3.6 million people, Connecticut is compact in size but rich in character. From scenic countryside to vibrant cities, it invites travelers to experience the best of classic and contemporary America – all within approximately 5,500 square miles.
Connecticut lies nestled between Massachusetts to the north, Rhode Island to the east, New York to the west, and Long Island Sound to the south. Its geography is diverse: rolling hills, thick forests, rivers, and more than 250 miles of tidal shoreline create a variety of landscapes in a short drive.
The Connecticut River, which bisects the state from north to south, played a critical role in its development and remains central to its identity. Though Connecticut is known for its suburban tranquility, it also boasts bustling urban centers.
The state capital, Hartford, is located in the north-central part of the state. Known as the “Insurance Capital of the World,” Hartford also has a proud literary and historical legacy, as it was once home to Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Today, it offers visitors impressive museums, historic homes, and an evolving arts scene.
Connecticut's highest point is on the south slope of Mount Frissell, which peaks in Massachusetts, but its highest elevation within Connecticut’s state lines reaches 2,380 feet. Located in Litchfield County, this spot lies within the Taconic Range in the state's northwest corner and offers spectacular hiking trails and vistas of New England’s rolling terrain.
Connecticut has played a central role in American history since its founding in the 1630s. It was one of the original 13 colonies and a leader in the early push for independence. The Fundamental Orders of 1639, written in Connecticut, are often considered one of the first written constitutions in the Western world – earning Connecticut the nickname: “The Constitution State.”
During the Revolutionary War, Connecticut served as the Continental Army’s supplier, earning another nickname: “The Provision State.” It was also home to influential figures like Noah Webster, whose dictionary standardized American English, and Prudence Crandall, who established one of the first schools for African American girls.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Connecticut became a hub of manufacturing innovation, producing everything from clocks and firearms to submarines and sewing machines.
Five Must-See Destinations
- Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium: The coastal town of Mystic is a beloved Connecticut destination, famous for its maritime history. At the Mystic Seaport Museum, visitors can explore a recreated 19th-century seafaring village, climb aboard historic ships, and learn about America’s whaling past. Nearby, the Mystic Aquarium is home to beluga whales, sea lions, and interactive marine exhibits, making it a favorite for families.
Fast Facts
Capital: Hartford
Population: 3.6 million
Highest point: Mount Frissell (2,380 feet)
Economic engines: Insurance and finance, aerospace, and manufacturing
Primerus Members:
Brody Wilkinson PC, PBLI
(Southport, Connecticut, U.S.)Brody Wilkinson PC, a Southport law firm focusing on trusts, estates, and business law.
Szilagyi & Daly, PDI
(Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.)Szilagyi & Daly, a full-service civil defense firm located in Hartford.
- Yale University and New Haven: New Haven, home to the prestigious Yale University, blends academic energy with cultural sophistication. Yale University Art Gallery and Peabody Museum of Natural History are open to the public and offer world-class collections. The city’s food scene is equally impressive. New Haven is known as the birthplace of the American-style pizza (or "apizza"), with spots like Frank Pepe’s drawing loyal fans.
- Gillette Castle State Park: Perched above the Connecticut River in East Haddam, Gillette Castle looks like something out of a medieval fantasy. Built by actor William Gillette, best known for his on-stage portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, the castle is filled with eccentric architectural details, including hidden doors, odd-shaped rooms, and hand-carved furnishings. The park surrounding it offers hiking trails and panoramic river views.
- Mark Twain House & Museum (Hartford): One of Connecticut’s most treasured literary landmarks, the Mark Twain House was where Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain) wrote some of his most famous works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The home is preserved with period furnishings and the museum offers insight into Twain’s remarkable life and influence.
- Litchfield Hills and Covered Bridges: Northwestern Connecticut is renowned for its quaint villages, fall foliage, and covered bridges. Towns like Litchfield, Kent, and Cornwall showcase quintessential New England charm, with antique shops, hiking trails, and cozy inns. The West Cornwall Covered Bridge, built in the 1860s, is one of the most photographed in the state.