Like the other New England States, Connecticut boasts remarkably distinctive symbols, considering its geographic location.Connecticut, Michigan and Wisconsin all call the robin—perhaps North America’s most popular bird—their official bird. Mississippi and Virginia have also adopted the oyster.
The mountain laurel is shared only by Pennsylvania. Illinois and Maryland both adopted the white oak, but Connecticut designated a specific white oak. Similarly, it recognizes a particular type of dinosaur track as state fossil, whereas neighboring Massachusetts embraces all dinosaur tracks.
Connecticut’s praying mantis and South Carolina’s Carolina mantid are different species. Surprisingly for a coastal state, Connecticut/Introduction is one of three states (Connecticut, Indiana and Ohio) with no official fish.
History & Industry
History and industry are reflected by Connecticut’s state symbols as much as natural history. The state tree was inspired by a famous white oak known as the Charter Oak even before the Revolutionary War. The state animal, the sperm whale, recalls the days when Yankee whalers operated out of Connecticut ports.
The almandine garnet also played a role in Connecticut industry before it was adopted as the state mineral. The praying mantis isn’t even native to Connecticut. It was likely adopted in part because of its association with religion.
One can even see a bit of history in Connecticut’s remaining symbols. The American robin received its name because it reminded colonists of the English robin. Connecticut’s state fossil, a dinosaur track, played an important role in the early study of dinosaurs.
Connecticut’s state flower, the mountain laurel, was described in print at least as early as 1624. The eastern American oyster? Oyster shell middens are common evidence of America’s earliest inhabitants.
Symbol of the Future?
The Connecticut symbol that residents are least likely to see may be the most potent symbol of the present and hope for the future. The sperm whale is an endangered species. This is a shameful reminder that people have not been good stewards in the tradition of the grapes on Connecticut’s flag.
But people rallied to offer whales the protection they need to survive. Hopefully, the sperm whale will be with us always as a symbol of the future.
Cultural Symbols
The ubiquitous square dance is the only stinker among Connecticut’s official cultural symbols. Yankee Doodle ranks as one of the premier state songs, and Connecticut is the only state that also recognizes an official cantata, Nutmeg. Connecticut is nicknamed the Nutmeg State.
Connecticut’s official hero, heroine, poet laureate, troubadour, composer and tartan are obviously unique. It is the only state to recognize a submarine (the USS Nautilus) as a state symbol.
Connecticut even boasts a relatively nice state flag, by U.S. standards. Collectively, Connecticut’s symbols are a fitting tribute to the Constitution State.
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