Connecticut: Modern and Historical

Fairfield County

The former Fairfield County of Connecticut is largely associated not necessarily with New England to the same capacity as the county is geographically considered part of the New England region. More connected to New York City than to the rest of the New England region, particularly as one approaches Greenwich but also in cities such as Bridgeport and Stamford or even as far north as Danbury, Fairfield is more frequently associated with New York before having a uniquely New England identity.

New Haven County

In the historical County of New Haven, where intelligence and historical charm are often interconnected and interwoven with one another, particularly notable as the location of Yale, New Haven County is uniquely and authentically identified as part of the New England experience, largely as a byproduct of the historic New Haven Colony, which had also controlled portions of Fairfield County and even been closely connected with a few disputes with the modern State of New York, particularly Rye in modern Westchester County.

Middlesex and New London Counties

While New London was one of the four (4) original counties of Connecticut, Middlesex was actually a later addition between New Haven and New London Counties along the Long Island Sound. The State of Connecticut does not have a claim over any portion of Long Island; however, the State of Connecticut is often extremely connected in such a direction. Saybrook was a historical colony in the region, and New London further east would become quite a hub and even a powerhouse in the region, particularly with the history of military presence in the region.

Litchfield and Hartford Counties

The Counties of Litchfield and Hartford are associated with the northwestern side of the State of Connecticut. While much of the region is moderately urbanized as part of the continuous string along the Northeast Megalopolis, the Hartford area is, quite notably, further inland than many of the more substantial communities in the region. However, Hartford can claim to be the capital city of the State of Connecticut and is located not far from Pioneer Valley communities slightly upstream along the Connecticut River. While Hartford is not truly well-known for intellectual strength, the educational and institutional backing and influence of the region is fairly high as well.

Tolland and Windham Counties

The Counties of Tolland and Windham are most often associated with a region of the State of Connecticut known as the “Quiet Corner.” While not all definitions of the “Quiet Corner” region include Tolland County nor even include the entirety of Windham County, the region is fairly notable for historic sites in the region, plus potential university influence surprises around Willimantic, an isolated urban core in a secluded region in the State. Also of importance but in Tolland County is the Nathan Hale Homestead and Museum, located within the Town of Coventry.