Creating Connecticut: Critical Moments That Shaped a Great State

by Walter W. Woodward

Connecticut State Historian Walter Woodward helps us understand how people and events in Connecticut's past played crucial roles in forming the culture and character of Connecticut today. Woodward, a gifted story-teller, brings the history we thought we knew to life in new ways, from the nearly forgotten early presence of the Dutch, to the time when Connecticut was New England's fiercest prosecutor of witches, the decades when Nutmeggers were rapidly leaving the state, and the years when Irish immigrants were hurrying into it. Whether it's his investigation into the unusually rough justice meted out to Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale, or a peek into Mark Twain's smoking habits, Creating Connecticut will leave you thinking about our state's past--and its future--in a whole new way.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2020

Reviews

[J.M. Hushour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Project Read-a-History-of-Every-State-in-Order-of-Statehood #5

Michael Bolton. Katherine Hepburn. The state nicknamed for a seed that its sneaky traders used to falsify out of wood and mix in with the real thing. Connecticut!
I chose Woodward's book although it isn't a history per say because he is the state historian, a fine writer, and the last actual history of Connecticut was written in the 70s. I say this only because if you're expecting this to be a straightforward history of the Nutmeg State, you won't find that here. However, as a Connecticut newbie myself, I learned enough from Woodward's episodic work to get an overall broad picture.
Woodward does just as the subtitle suggests: he presents episodes and/or individuals from Connecticut's nearly 400-year history as a series of milestones. Chapters cover the Puritans, Indian wars, Nathan Hale, Eleazer Wheelock, witch-hunting and witch-burning, out-migration, the Irish in CT, John Dempsey and other loose episodes involving various things about the state.
You'll learn a lot about this fascinating little state, though you might wish for Woodward to hurry up and write a more traditional, narrative history.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walter W. Woodward is a story teller in the grand tradition, introducing stories of Connecticut known and unknown in a very engaging and enthusiastic way. He begins with the story of Adriaen Block sailing up the Connecticut River (come on, confess, you didn't know who he was until they built Adriaen's Landing in Hartford) and ends at home in Columbia, Connecticut. There is a mix of longer and shorter tales in here; they add up to an interesting look at the history of my home state. He aptly deserves to be Connecticut's State Historian. (I must admit however that being a Connectican doesn't seem as interesting as being a Nutmegger; nor is it easier to pronounce.) I recommend this to all those who have lived in or only passed through Connecticut.

[Jackson Kuhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breezy and accessible history of Connecticut from its earliest colonial days to modern times, told through essays spotlighting various events and personalities. Most noteworthy to me was the familiarity of Connecticut's out-migration in the early 19th century (as of this writing, the Constitution State has been hemorrhaging population for seven years straight, for some similar reasons). Woodward has written the best kind of history, equal parts explainer, biography, and micro-history.

[Beverley Lombardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a native of Connecticut, I really enjoyed this book. I learned so much about Connecticut ' s history. I have always loved Connecticut. Learning more about it makes me proud to call it home.
I think a copy of this book should be in every school library.

[Tori]

2020- Most of this book of local history was interesting, although some chapters moreso than others. The author's style was also very readable.

[ron pariser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

This book had alot of interesting history. I learned much about ther state I have lived in for 40 years.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I was growing up, I always "hated history." Who knew one day "Creating Connecticut" would help me through Covid? I love this book.

Thankfully,

Grandma

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun introduction to the history of Connecticut! I would highly recommend this readable and engaging book for anyone interested in Connecticut history, culture, or just a great read about our state.

[Judith Blinn Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is full of riveting stories of Connecticut history. I found it difficult to put this book down and plan to read it again.