Connecticut, the southernmost New England state, is situated between Boston and New York City along the Northeast Corridor. Its location makes it heavily influenced by the New York metropolitan area, which encompasses a significant portion of southwestern Connecticut, including six of its most populous cities. While being the third smallest state in the US, Connecticut boasts a high population density, ranking fourth nationally with over 3.6 million residents.
1914: World War I Begins
World War I began in 1914, and Connecticut became a significant supplier of weapons to the U.S. military.
June 21, 1916: Establishment of the East Coast Submarine Base
On June 21, 1916, the U.S. Navy established Groton, Connecticut, as the location for its East Coast submarine base and training school.
1917: Connecticut's Support for the War Effort
In 1917, Connecticut showed strong support for the American war effort during World War I by investing heavily in war bonds, expanding industrial production, and prioritizing increased food production on farms.
1918: Connecticut's Industrial Contribution to the War Effort
By 1918, a significant portion of Connecticut's industries, about 80%, were engaged in producing goods and materials to support the American war effort during World War I.
1918: Decline of Native-Born Americans
By 1918, the proportion of native-born Americans in Connecticut's population had dropped to 35%.
1918: Connecticut's Support for the War Effort
In 1918, Connecticut showed strong support for the American war effort during World War I by investing heavily in war bonds, expanding industrial production, and prioritizing increased food production on farms.
1919: Founding of Connecticut Light & Power Co.
J. Henry Roraback founded the Connecticut Light & Power Co. in 1919, which would become the state's primary electric utility company.
1925: Establishment of Pratt & Whitney
In 1925, Frederick Rentschler spearheaded the creation of Pratt & Whitney in Hartford, Connecticut, with the goal of developing engines specifically designed for aircraft.
1926: Hartford Blues Join NFL
The Hartford Blues, a National Football League franchise, were established in Hartford in 1926.
September 21, 1938: The Great New England Hurricane
On September 21, 1938, a hurricane, often referred to as the "Long Island Express," struck eastern Connecticut, becoming the most destructive storm in New England's recorded history. The hurricane caused widespread devastation to infrastructure, homes, and businesses along the Connecticut shoreline. It remains the most powerful hurricane to strike Connecticut in recorded history.
1938: The 1938 New England hurricane
The 1938 New England hurricane was a notable hurricane that impacted Connecticut.
May 13, 1940: First Practical Helicopter Flight
On May 13, 1940, Igor Sikorsky successfully conducted an untethered flight of the inaugural practical helicopter, marking a significant milestone in aviation history.
1940: Non-Hispanic White Population
In 1940, non-Hispanic whites constituted 98% of Connecticut's population.
February 16, 1943: Record Low Temperature
Connecticut reached its lowest recorded temperature of -32°F (-36°C) in Falls Village on February 16, 1943.
1952: First PGA Tour Golf Tournament Held in Hartford Area
A PGA Tour golf tournament, originally called the "Insurance City Open," was first held in the Hartford area in 1952.
1952: Prescott Bush's Senate Tenure Begins
Prescott Bush began representing Connecticut in the U.S. Senate in 1952.
1954: Hurricane Carol
Hurricane Carol, a notable hurricane, impacted Connecticut in 1954.
1959: Connecticut Officially Becomes "The Constitution State"
Connecticut officially adopted the nickname "The Constitution State" in 1959, a tribute to its colonial constitution of 1638–1639, considered the first of its kind in America and possibly the world.
1960: Connecticut Eliminates Most County Governments
Connecticut significantly reduced the role of county governments in 1960, with the exception of elected sheriffs.
January 22, 1961: Record Low Temperature
Connecticut matched its lowest recorded temperature of -32°F (-36°C) in Coventry on January 22, 1961.
1963: Prescott Bush's Senate Tenure Ends
Prescott Bush concluded his service as a U.S. Senator representing Connecticut in 1963.
1965: Ratification of Connecticut's Current Constitution
Connecticut ratified its current state constitution in 1965, replacing the previous version that had been in effect since 1818.
1965: Connecticut Implements New State Constitution
Connecticut implemented its current state constitution in 1965, incorporating significant modifications while retaining much of its 1818 predecessor.
1968: Connecticut Yankee Nuclear Power Plant Operational
The Connecticut Yankee Nuclear Power Plant in Haddam commenced commercial operations in 1968.
1970: Millstone Nuclear Power Station Operational
In 1970, the Millstone Nuclear Power Station, located in Waterford, Connecticut, commenced its operations.
1973: The Southern New England ice storm of 1973
The Southern New England ice storm of 1973 was a notable ice storm in Connecticut.
1974: Ella T. Grasso Elected Governor
In 1974, Ella T. Grasso was elected as the governor of Connecticut, making her the first woman in the history of the United States to be elected governor of a state without being the spouse or widow of a former governor.
1974: Ella Grasso Elected as First Woman Governor of Connecticut
In 1974, Ella Grasso became the first woman in United States history to be elected governor without her husband previously holding the position.
1975: Hartford Whalers Join NHL
The Hartford Whalers began playing in the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1975, based out of the Hartford Civic Center.
1982: Beginning of Unemployment Data Collection
Connecticut began collecting unemployment data in 1982.
1988: George H.W. Bush Wins Connecticut in Presidential Election
In 1988, George H. W. Bush became the last Republican presidential candidate to secure Connecticut's Electoral College votes.
1988: Removal of Tolls on I-95 and Route 15 in Connecticut
In 1988, Connecticut made the decision to remove tolls from Interstate 95 (I-95) and Route 15, which previously relied on a system of toll plazas, following a history of major crashes at these locations.
1990: Shore Line East Commuter Rail Begins Service
In 1990, the Shore Line East commuter rail line began service, connecting coastal cities and towns between New Haven and New London.
1990: Lowell Weicker Elected Governor
Lowell Weicker was elected governor of Connecticut in 1990 on a third-party ticket, largely due to the state's economic challenges stemming from a decline in the defense industry after the Cold War.
1991: Investment-Only Income Tax System
Before 1991, Connecticut implemented an investment-only income tax system where employment income was exempt from taxation, but investment income was taxed at a rate of 13%.
1991: Tax Policy Change under Governor Lowell P. Weicker Jr.
In 1991, Connecticut implemented a new tax policy under Governor Lowell P. Weicker Jr. that equalized taxes on employment and investment income to a maximum rate of 4%, attracting investment firms to the state.
1992: Foxwoods Casino Opens
The initial construction of the Foxwoods Casino, situated on the Mashantucket Pequot reservation in eastern Connecticut, reached completion in 1992. It went on to become the largest casino in the Western Hemisphere.
1993: Webster's Dictionary Defines "Connecticuter"
Webster's New International Dictionary, published in 1993, officially defined a "Connecticuter" as a native or resident of Connecticut.
July 15, 1995: Record High Temperature
Connecticut's record high temperature of 106°F (41°C) occurred in Danbury on July 15, 1995.
1997: Hartford Whalers Relocate to Raleigh
The Hartford Whalers relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina in 1997, becoming the Carolina Hurricanes, following disagreements with the state about building a new arena.
2000: State Marshal System Replaces County Sheriffs
In 2000, Connecticut replaced the county sheriff system with a state marshal system, with districts aligned with the former county territories.
2000: 2000 United States Census
The 2000 United States census showed that only 12.3% of Connecticut's population was considered rural.
2000: Gore-Lieberman Presidential Ticket
In the 2000 U.S. presidential election, Al Gore, the Democratic nominee, chose Senator Joe Lieberman as his running mate. This marked a historic moment as it was the first time a major party's presidential ticket included a person of Jewish faith.
2000: Jewish Congregation Members
In 2000, there were 108,280 members of Jewish congregations in Connecticut, representing 3.2% of the population.
2000: Per Capita Income Disparity
In 2000, New Canaan held the highest per capita income in Connecticut at $85,459, while Hartford reported the lowest at $13,428.
2000: Language Spoken at Home
According to the 2000 census, 81.69% of Connecticut residents aged 5 and older spoke English at home, 8.42% spoke Spanish, 1.59% spoke Italian, 1.31% spoke French, and 1.20% spoke Polish.
2000: Lowest Unemployment Rate (1982-2010)
From August to October 2000, Connecticut achieved its lowest unemployment rate between 1982 and 2010, reaching 2.2%.
2000: Hartford FoxForce Joins World TeamTennis
The Hartford FoxForce, a World TeamTennis franchise, was established in 2000.
September 11, 2001: September 11th Terrorist Attacks
During the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, 65 residents of Connecticut lost their lives, the majority of whom were from Fairfield County and were working at the World Trade Center.
2001: Implementation of Annual Sales Tax "Holiday"
Connecticut introduced an annual sales tax "holiday" in 2001, taking place for one week each August, during which retailers are exempt from collecting sales tax on designated clothing items and quantities.
2002: UConn Huskies Football Joins Football Bowl Subdivision
The UConn Huskies football team joined the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2002.
2004: Foreign-Born Population
In 2004, 11.4% of Connecticut's population (400,000 people) was foreign-born.
2004: UConn Makes History with Dual Basketball Championships
The University of Connecticut (UConn) achieved a historic first in NCAA Division I history in 2004 when both their men's and women's basketball teams won the national championships in the same year.
2004: Governor John G. Rowland Resigns
In 2004, John G. Rowland, the Republican governor of Connecticut, decided to step down from his position while he was under investigation for corruption. He later entered a guilty plea to federal charges related to the investigation.
2006: Hartford FoxForce Disbands
The Hartford FoxForce World TeamTennis franchise ceased operations in 2006.
2006: Bicycling Culture and Commuting in New Haven
According to the 2006 U.S. Census American Community Survey, New Haven stood out with the highest percentage of commuters who biked to work among major metropolitan areas on the East Coast, reflecting a prominent bicycling culture and high rates of bicycle ownership and use in Connecticut.
December 2008: The December 2008 Northeastern United States ice storm
The December 2008 Northeastern United States ice storm was a notable ice storm that caused widespread power outages and damage in Connecticut.
July 2009: Connecticut Passes SustiNet Health Care Reform
In July 2009, the Connecticut legislature passed SustiNet, the nation's first significant public-option health care reform legislation, overriding a veto by Governor M. Jodi Rell.
December 2010: Highest Unemployment Rate (1982-2010)
Between 1982 and 2010, Connecticut's highest unemployment rate occurred in November and December 2010, reaching 9.3%.
2010: Largest Christian Denominations
According to the Association of Religion Data Archives, the largest Christian denominations in Connecticut in 2010 were the Catholic Church (1,252,936 adherents), the United Church of Christ (96,506 adherents), and non-denominational Evangelical Protestants (72,863 adherents).
2010: Largest Ancestry Groups
As of 2010, the largest ancestry groups in Connecticut were: Italian (19.3%), Irish (17.9%), English (10.7%), German (10.4%), Polish (8.6%), French (6.6%), French Canadian (3.0%), American (2.7%), Scottish (2.0%), and Scotch Irish (1.4%).
2010: 2010 United States Census
The 2010 United States Census was used as a benchmark for calculating population change in Connecticut in 2020.
April 2011: Closure of Marlin Firearms in Connecticut
Marlin Firearms, owned by Remington, ceased operations in Connecticut in April 2011, marking a change in the state's gun manufacturing landscape.
July 1, 2011: Repeal of Sales Tax Exemption on Clothing Under $50
Effective July 1, 2011, Connecticut repealed the sales tax exemption on clothing items priced under $50, broadening the state's sales tax base.
2011: Minority Population Growth
As of 2011, minorities made up 46.1% of Connecticut's population under the age of 1.
2011: Connecticut Experiences Severe Storms
Over a span of just over 14 months in 2011 and 2012, Connecticut experienced three major storms—Hurricane Irene in August 2011, the "Halloween nor'easter" in October 2011, and Hurricane Sandy in October 2012—all of which resulted in significant property damage and widespread power outages.
April 2012: Connecticut Abolishes Death Penalty for Future Crimes
In April 2012, Connecticut passed a bill that abolished the death penalty for any new crimes, but left 11 inmates on death row at the time still eligible for execution.
December 14, 2012: Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting
On December 14, 2012, a tragic shooting occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, when Adam Lanza fatally shot 26 individuals, including 20 children and six adult staff members, before taking his own life.
December 2012: Connecticut's Legacy in Gun Manufacturing
As of December 2012, Connecticut was home to four operational gun manufacturers: Colt, Stag, Ruger, and Mossberg, collectively employing 2,000 people, reflecting the state's historical significance in the firearms industry.
2012: Hurricane Sandy
Hurricane Sandy was a notable hurricane that impacted Connecticut in 2012.
2012: Connecticut Experiences Severe Storms
Over a span of just over 14 months in 2011 and 2012, Connecticut experienced three major storms—Hurricane Irene in August 2011, the "Halloween nor'easter" in October 2011, and Hurricane Sandy in October 2012—all of which resulted in significant property damage and widespread power outages.
2012: State and Local Taxes
In 2012, Connecticut residents experienced the second-highest combined state and local tax rate in the nation, reaching 12.6% of income. This rate surpassed the national average of 9.9%, according to the Tax Foundation.
2014: Decline in Irreligious Population
The Public Religion Research Institute's 2020 study showed a decline in the irreligious population in Connecticut to 21%, compared to 28% in the 2014 Pew Research Center study.
2014: UConn Repeats Dual Basketball Championship Feat
UConn once again achieved the remarkable feat of winning both the men's and women's NCAA Division I basketball championships in the same year in 2014, making them the only school to accomplish this twice.
2014: Religious Affiliations in Connecticut
A 2014 Pew survey of Connecticut residents revealed the following religious affiliations: Protestant (35%), Mormon (1%), Jewish (3%), Roman Catholic (33%), Orthodox (1%), Non-religious (28%), Jehovah's Witness (1%), Hindu (1%), Buddhist (1%), and Islam (1%).
March 28, 2015: CTfastrak Bus Rapid Transit Opens
On March 28, 2015, CTfastrak, a bus rapid transit service between New Britain and Hartford, opened to the public.
2015: Connecticut Recognizes COGs as County Equivalents
By 2015, Connecticut recognized Councils of Governments (COGs) as equivalents to counties, enabling them to access funding and grants available to county governments in other states.
November 15, 2016: Drought in Connecticut
During the summer and fall of 2016, Connecticut faced a drought that impacted numerous parts of the state, leading to the implementation of water-use restrictions in certain areas. As of November 15, 2016, a significant portion of Connecticut was experiencing drought conditions.
2017: Tourism Revenue and Attractions in Connecticut
Connecticut's tourism industry generated an estimated $9.3 billion in revenue in 2017, with major attractions like Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun, both situated on Native American reservations in southeastern Connecticut, playing a significant role in attracting visitors and providing employment opportunities.
2017: Connecticut's Agricultural Production
In 2017, Connecticut's agricultural sector produced $580 million worth of products, with nursery stock production accounting for over half of the revenue, followed by notable contributions from milk, eggs, vegetables, fruit, tobacco, and shellfish production.
2017: Connecticut Property Taxes Rank High Nationally
In the 2017 fiscal year, Connecticut residents faced the third-highest average property taxes in the U.S. on a per capita basis, according to the Tax Foundation, trailing only New Hampshire and New Jersey.
2017: UConn Women's Basketball Winning Streak Ends
The UConn women's basketball team's record-breaking 111-game winning streak, the longest in NCAA college basketball history, came to an end in 2017.
June 2018: Hartford Line Commuter Rail Service Launches
June 2018 marked the launch of the Hartford Line commuter rail service, connecting New Haven and Springfield along Amtrak's New Haven-Springfield Line.
2018: Diverse Components of Connecticut's Economy
In 2018, Connecticut's economy showcased a diverse range of sectors, with wholesale trade contributing $18.1 billion in GDP, followed by information services at $13.8 billion, retail at $13.7 billion, arts, entertainment, and food services at $9.1 billion, and construction at $8.3 billion.
2018: Top Countries of Origin for Immigrants
In 2018, the top countries of origin for immigrants to Connecticut were India, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Poland, and Ecuador.
2018: Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate Dominate Connecticut's Economy
In 2018, the finance, insurance, and real estate sector emerged as Connecticut's largest industry based on gross domestic product, contributing $75.7 billion to the state's GDP, driven by major employers in these sectors.
2018: Manufacturing Sector in Connecticut's Economy
In 2018, manufacturing held the position of the third-largest industry in Connecticut, generating $30.8 billion in GDP, with companies like Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky Aircraft playing prominent roles.
2018: Millionaires per Capita
A 2018 study by Phoenix Marketing International ranked Connecticut third in the United States for millionaires per capita, with a ratio of 7.75%.
2018: Connecticut Earns High Ranking for Educational Performance
In 2018, Connecticut ranked third nationwide for educational performance, achieving an overall score of 83.5 out of 100 in Education Week's Quality Counts report.
2018: Gross Domestic Product
Connecticut's gross domestic product in 2018 was $277.9 billion.
2018: Business and Professional Services Sector's Economic Contribution
Connecticut's business and professional services sector secured the second-highest GDP total in 2018, reaching an estimated $33.7 billion and underscoring the sector's substantial role in the state's economic landscape.
2018: Connecticut Single-Family Home Sales and Median Price
Connecticut recorded 33,146 single-family home sales in 2018, with a median transaction amount of $260,000, reflecting the state's real estate market dynamics.
July 2019: Amtrak Launches Valley Flyer Service
In July 2019, Amtrak introduced the Valley Flyer, a new rail service operating between New Haven and Greenfield, Massachusetts.
December 2019: Unemployment Rate
Connecticut recorded a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8% in December 2019, compared to the national unemployment rate of 3.5%.
2019: Connecticut Income Tax Brackets
In 2019, Connecticut had seven income tax brackets ranging from 3% for income up to $10,000 to 6.99% for income exceeding $500,000, with varying additional amounts owed based on income levels.
2019: Hartford Athletic Joins USL Championship
The Hartford Athletic soccer club began playing in the USL Championship in 2019.
2019: Connecticut Single-Family Home Sales Decline
In 2019, Connecticut saw a 2.1 percent decrease in single-family home sales, totaling 33,146 units, compared to the previous year.
2019: Connecticut Proposes COGs for Statistical Purposes
In 2019, Connecticut recommended to the United States Census Bureau that its nine Councils of Governments replace counties for statistical purposes.
2019: Connecticut's Energy Consumption and Sources
Connecticut exhibited energy efficiency in 2019, using less energy per dollar of GDP compared to all states except California, Massachusetts, and New York. Despite lacking fossil fuel resources, the state relied on renewable sources like refuse-derived fuels, biomass, solar, and wind power for a portion of its energy needs.
2019: Connecticut's High Home Foreclosure Rate
During 2019, Connecticut experienced a home foreclosure rate of 0.53 percent of the total housing stock, positioning it with the seventh-highest foreclosure activity rate in the U.S.
2019: Per Capita Personal Income
Connecticut's per capita personal income in 2019 was estimated at $79,087, ranking highest among all states.
2019: Gross Domestic Product
Connecticut's gross domestic product in 2019 was $289 billion, an increase from $277.9 billion in 2018.
2019: Education, Health, and Social Services as Major Employment Sector
By the close of 2019, the combined educational, health, and social services sector represented the largest employment sector in Connecticut, employing 342,600 individuals and highlighting its significance in the state's economy.
2019: Fairfield County as a Hedge Fund Hub
By 2019, Fairfield County, Connecticut, became home to the headquarters of 16 of the world's 200 largest hedge funds, driven by the state's attractive tax policies implemented in 1991.
January 1, 2020: Gasoline Taxes in Connecticut
As of January 1, 2020, Connecticut had gasoline taxes and fees of 40.13 cents per gallon, ranking 11th highest in the United States, which had an average of 36.13 cents per gallon, excluding federal taxes.
January 2020: Diesel Taxes in Connecticut
Connecticut's diesel taxes and fees stood at 46.50 cents per gallon in January 2020, placing it as the ninth-highest nationally, compared to the U.S. average of 37.91 cents per gallon.
March 2020: Raytheon Technologies Merger and Connecticut Presence
The March 2020 merger of United Technologies and Raytheon Co., forming Raytheon Technologies, resulted in the company having a significant presence in Connecticut, employing approximately 19,000 people through subsidiaries Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace.
2020: 2020 United States census
The 2020 United States census recorded Connecticut's population at 3,605,944, an increase of 31,847 people (0.9%) from the 2010 United States census.
2020: Hurricane Isaias
Hurricane Isaias, a notable hurricane, impacted Connecticut in 2020.
2020: Anticipated Unemployment Spike
Economists anticipated record-breaking layoffs in the spring of 2020 due to business closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
2020: Non-Hispanic White Population Decline
By the 2020 census, the non-Hispanic white population in Connecticut declined to 63%.
2020: Richard A. Robinson Serves as Chief Justice
As of 2020, Richard A. Robinson held the position of Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court.
2020: Ned Lamont and Susan Bysiewicz Assume Office
As of 2020, Ned Lamont served as Governor and Susan Bysiewicz as Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut, both representing the Democratic Party.
2020: Christian Population
According to the Public Religion Research Institute's 2020 study, 71% of Connecticut's population identified as Christian.
2021: Connecticut's Congressional Delegation in 2021
As of 2021, Connecticut was represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, and by a delegation of five Democrats in the U.S. House.
2021: Infill Stations Planned for Hartford Line
As of 2021, several infill stations were planned to be added to the Hartford Line commuter rail service.
2021: Matthew Ritter Becomes Speaker of the House
In 2021, Matthew Ritter assumed the role of Speaker of the House of Connecticut.
2022: Democratic Party Holds Largest Voter Registration in Connecticut
As of 2022, the Democratic Party of Connecticut held the largest share of registered voters in the state at 36%, followed by the Connecticut Republican Party with approximately 20%.
2022: HUD's 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report
HUD's 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report estimated 2,930 homeless people in Connecticut.
2022: Census Bureau Approves COG Proposal
The Census Bureau approved Connecticut's proposal to use Councils of Governments for statistical purposes in 2022.
2024: Full Implementation of COGs for Statistical Reporting
The full implementation of Councils of Governments for statistical reporting in Connecticut is scheduled for 2024.
2024: Census Reporting to Cease Using County Designations
The use of counties for census reporting in Connecticut is set to end in 2024.