5 Crucial Dates in 19th Century Connecticut History That May Impact Your Genealogy

These dates are just a few moments in a packed century! I hope you’ll consider doing more reading…

1. April 1814: The burning of Essex, demonstrating the impact of the War of 1812 on the state.
2. 1815: First steamboat voyage on the Connecticut River, marking the beginning of a shift in the river trades.
3. 1818: The passage of the Constitution of 1818. In effect until 1965, it was the first state constitution for Connecticut. It also disestablished the Congregational Church.
4. 1848: Slavery is abolished in Connecticut.
5. 1 Jul 1897: The first day when copies of vital records (birth, death, and marriage certificates) were required to be sent to the state of Connecticut by the towns.