Connecticut. A state of the northeast United States. It was admitted as one of the original Thirteen Colonies on 9 January 1788. Connecticut's coastline was explored by Dutch navigators after 1614, and in 1635 colonists from Massachusetts Bay began to settle in the Connecticut River valley. The Fundamental Orders, a constitution based on the consent of the governed, was adopted by the colony in 1639. Hartford is the capital and Bridgeport the largest city. Population: 3,518,288 as of July 2009
State Flower: Mountain Laurel - State Motto: He who transplanted still sustains - State Nickname: Nutmeg State, Constitution State - State Bird: American Robin
