The Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) was designated as the Connecticut State ANIMAL in 1975 because of its specific contribution to the state's history and because of its present-day plight as an endangered species.
	The American Robin (Turdus migratorius), which winters throughout New England, was designated as the Connecticut State BIRD in 1943.
	The Connecticut State CAPITOL first opened for the General Assembly in January 1879. The site was contributed by the City of Hartford. The building was designed by Richard M. Upjohn, was constructed by James G. Batterson, and was built at a cost of $2,532,524.43. It was declared a National Historical Landmark in 1972.
	The Connecticut COAT OF ARMS was officially adopted by the General Assembly on March 24, 1931. The design consists of a shield of rococo design of white field, having in the center three grape vines, supported and bearing fruit. Below the shield is a white streamer, cleft at each end, bordered with two fine lines. Upon the streamer, in solid letters of medium bold Gothic, is the state motto "Qui Transtulit Sustinet."
	Charles Edward Ives (1874-1954) was a famous Civil War bandmaster who was born in Danbury. His works include symphonies, tone poems, and nearly 200 songs. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1947 for his Third Symphony, and was designated the Connecticut State COMPOSER in 1991.
	The Connecticut State DANCE is the Square Dance.
	The Connecticut State FLAG was adopted in 1879, replacing previous flags dating back to the 1770s. It consists of a replica of the Connecticut Coat of Arms on an azure blue background.
	The Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), also known as the calico bush and spoonwood, was designated as the Connecticut State FLOWER in 1907.
	The Connecticut State FOSSIL is a fossil track impression of Eubrontes giganteus, a large three-toed dinosaur that roamed over what is now Connecticut some 200 million years ago. Two thousand such tracks were discovered on a single layer of rock in Rocky Hill in 1906. These and other such tracks were designated as the State Fossil in 1991.
	The Connecticut State HERO is Nathan Hale, the Connecticut volunteer who crossed enemy lines to gather information as to the strength and plans of the British Army in 1776. He was subsequently captured and executed by the British for his actions.
	Prudence Crandall, who established the first academy for African-American women in New England in 1833, was named the Connecticut State HEROINE on October 1, 1995.
	The European Praying Mantis (Mantis religiosa) was adopted as the Connecticut State INSECT on October 1, 1977. Although not native to Connecticut, it can be found throughout the state from early May or June until the cold weather sets in.
	Garnet was designated as the Connecticut State MINERAL in 1977 because Connecticut is one of the finest sources of this mineral in the world.
	Qui Transtulit Sustinet was part of the original colonial seal of Connecticut, and is now the official State MOTTO. The Latin phrase, which translates to "He who transplants sustains," comes from the Bible -- verse three of the 79th Psalm.
	The Connecticut POET LAUREATE is Marilyn Nelson. Appointed to the post on June 28, 2001, she is the author of six books of poetry, two children's collections, and several chapbooks.
	The Connecticut State Seal dates back to colonial times, but has been modified several times, most recently in 1931. The three grapevines in the center represent the transplanting of the culture and traditions of Europe to the Connecticut Colony. The scroll under the vines contains the state motto. The words Sigilium Reipublicæ Connecticutensis around the edge are Latin for "The Seal of the Connecticut Republic."
	The Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica), which thrives naturally in Connecticut's tidal rivers and coastal embayments and makes up an important part of the oyster industry in the waters of Long Island Sound, was named the Connecticut State SHELLFISH in 1989.
	The USS Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine in the world, was built in Groton, Connecticut. It was designated the Connecticut State SHIP in 1983.
	The Connecticut State SONG is Yankee Doodle. The words were written by Dr. Richard Shuckburgh, and the tune has been traced back to Holland about 1500. It was so designated in 1978.
	The Connecticut State TARTAN is a plaid, with large blue stripes representing Long Island Sound, large green stripes representing forest, medium gray stripes representing granite, red and yellow pin stripes representing autumn leaves, and white pin stripes representing snow. It was so designated in 1995.
	The White Oak (Quercus alba) was designated the Connecticut State TREE in 1947, in remembrance of the Charter Oak, in which the Charter of Connecticut was hidden in 1687. The actual tree fell victim to a storm on August 21, 1856. A memorial plaque designating its location and significance can be seen in the state capital, Hartford.

SEE ALSO
American Robin
Nathan Hale
Hartford
USS Nautilus

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This page was last updated on May 25, 2017.