One New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine in East Granby was the first North American copper mine. It was chartered by the British Monarchy. When mining ceased in 1773, the subterranean tunnels and chambers were designated a perfect place for criminals, and the former mine became the state’s first prison.

Washington (CT) was the fourth town in the Colonies to be named for George Washington.

Thomaston was named after the clockmaker Seth Thomas. Thomas’ world-famous clocks were made right in Thomaston, using brass gears manufactured in nearby Waterbury.

Avon (CT) was named for the river of the same name in Stratford, England.

The nation’s first cavalry unit, First Co. Governor’s Horse Guard, was organized in 1658 as the mounted guards of Connecticut Colony. The organization continues today with its headquarters in Avon.

Candlewood Lake is the largest artificial lake in Connecticut. It was built in 1926 to provide hydroelectric power to the New Fairfield-Brookfield region.

Candlewood Lake was so named for the native candlewood trees whose sapling branches had been used sometimes as candles by early settlers.

Weir Farm National Historic Site in Wilton was the first and remains the only national park in Connecticut. It is the only national park in the country dedicated to a painter.

Fairfield County is the state’s most densely populated area.

The longest stretch of a river walk along the entire Appalachian Trail lies in Kent. It stretches 7.8 miles.

The Appalachian Trail is 2,144 miles long. Connecticut is home to 53 miles of the interstate hiking path.

The highest full peak in Connecticut is Bear Mountain in Salisbury, at 2,316 feet.

Connecticut’s oldest bridge, West Cornwall Bridge, was built in 1837 of native oak.