John Trumbull, The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker's Hill, June 17,1775

John Trumbull, The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker’s Hill, June 17,1775,1786, oil on canvas. Knowlton is shown in the white shirt holding a musket – Boston Museum of Fine Arts

Revolution and the New Nation (1754–1820s)

Connecticut played a vital role in the forging of our new nation politically, socially, economically, and militarily. Through a period characterized by conflict, Connecticut provided arms, food, and other provisions to undersupplied armies, as well as leadership in government. While largely spared from British occupation and major battles during the American Revolution, Connecticut still experienced British raids and town burnings. When hostilities erupted with Great Britain again during the War of 1812, the state survived blockades on New London and assaults on Essex and Stonington. Connecticut even hosted delegates from its New England neighbors at the Hartford Convention in December 1814 to draft formal opposition to the War of 1812.

Connecticut representatives played crucial roles in the development of the country’s foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution of the United States. Connecticut passed its own new state Constitution in 1818, notably removing state support from the Congregational Church. As the young country grappled with the meaning of freedom and application of representative democracy, Connecticut still limited the right to vote to white men and thousands of people remained enslaved in the state. In 1784, Connecticut passed a gradual abolition act that eventually emancipated all enslaved people born after March 1, 1784.

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Caleb Brewster and the Culper Spy Ring

Caleb Brewster used his knowledge of Long Island Sound to serve as a member of the Culper Spy Ring during the Revolutionary War. …[more]

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