The+Colony+of+Connecticut

The colony of Connecticut was not officially founded until 1636, however, settlers from Massachusetts began moving to the area in 1635. Amongst these settlers was Thomas Hooker who is deemed most responsible for finding the colony. The first of the towns founded were Weathersfield, Windsor, and Hartford. (americanhistory.about.com) (colonialancestors.com).
 * __The Founding of Connecticut:__**
 * __﻿__**

Before he went on to find Connecticut, Thomas Hooker was a preacher in Massachusetts. He, along with many members of his congregation, didn't believe in some decisions that Governor Winthrop was making. Winthrop believed in a "government of the many by the few." He also believed that they should limit the suffrage of members into the church. Hooker did not agree with this and thus decided to set out and establish a new colony. So in 1936 he and many members from his congregation went to Hartford and set up foundations for a new colony. John Davenport was also responsible for the finding of the colony and is well known for finding New Haven. (www.usahistory.info) ([|www.ancestryuk.com]).

This picture is of Thomas Hooker who is most responsible for the founding of Connecticut. He moved from Massachusetts because he didn't agree with the policies that Governor Winthrop was making. He went to establish a new colony and a new congregation.

In 1638, the three founded towns of Connecticut met and voted on representatives for a large meetings in Hartford. On January 24, 1639, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut was created by representatives from the three established towns. This is believed to be the first written Constitution in American history. Our American Constitution is also said to be adapted from these Fundamental Orders. Some of the specific orders include: all freemen may vote, elections are regular and frequent, ballots are to be secret, qualifications to run for office must be decided by the town, the Governor must be a member of a church, and the General Court must be yearly to handle town affairs. Thomas Hooker is said to be the main contributor to these orders. (www.themoralliberal.com) ([|www.constitution.org]).
 * __The Fundamental Order of Connecticut:__**
 * __﻿__**

In 1632, the Dutch expanded trade by making a deal along the Connecticut Valley and establishing "The House of Hope." They had bought this territory from the Pequot tribe who had been in control of the land. When Hooker and the settlers came into Hartford they were in a positions to intersect goods traveling to and from the House of Hope. However, before the Dutch could end this the colony had set up a fort along the Connecticut River and therefore the Dutch did not go to war. The war began when the Pequots murdered a trading group of Narragansetts and they began to prepare for battle. ([|www.dowdgen.com]).
 * __The Pequot War:__**
 * __﻿__**

This war didn't really take off until 1637 when an entire village of Pequots was burned to the ground and men, women, and children were murdered. Prior to this was many small battles and retaliations between the two tribes. For example in 1634 the English would not re-establish trade and make a peace settlement with the Narragansetts unless they were compensated by the Pequots. However, the Pequots disagreed and the trade remained unestablished. In that same year John Stone was murdered due to suspicions of being Dutch. However, he was a privateer for the Bay Colony. In 1636, John Oldham was murdered by Pequots. He was a good friend and trading partner of the Narragansetts. Finally, in 1637, the Pequots invaded Weathersfield and killed thirty settlers and kidnapped two girls. The war ended in September 1638 when the Pequots signed the Treaty of Hartford or Tripartite Treaty. This stated that the Pequot tribe must come to an end and give up their territory. This was significant in the establishment of the Connecticut colony because it eliminated a possible resistance to settling in New Haven and Guilford. ([|www.dowdgen.com]).

The map above shows the original territory division in Connecticut. Notice how the Pequot tribe as well at Hartford is between the Narragansett territory and the House of Hope which was the way of trade with the Dutch. Hartford and the Pequot's made trading quite difficult for the Narragansett tribe, causing tension to rise and the war to start. Eventually, the Pequots lost their territory and their land became home to New Haven and Guilford Connecticut.

Throughout the late 1600's very few slaves existed in Connecticut. They were mentioned in Hartford and New Haven however, there were not enough to make a significant impact in history. In 1680, Connecticut was taking in about three or four slaves a year and in 1709 there was only reported to be about 110 slaves, both black and white. However, there was a large increase in slaves between 1749 and 1774. Connecticut soon became the colony to have the most number of slaves in New England with 6,464 slaves and it also became one of the worst states to discriminate against free black Americans. ([|www.slavenorth.com]).
 * __Slavery in Connecticut:__**
 * __﻿__**


 * __Bibliography:__**

//The Colony of Connecticut//. Colonial Ancestors, 2000-2007. Web. 28 Aug. 2011. [].

//Connecticut Colonial History//. 2001-2010. Web. 28 Aug. 2011. [].

Farrell, Steve. //First Written Constitution//. 23 Apr. 2010. Web. 28 Aug. 2011. [].

Harper, Douglas. //Slavery in Connecticut//. 2003. Web. 28 Aug. 2011. [].

//John Davenport//. Yale University Press. Web. 28 Aug. 2011. [].

Kelly, Martin. //Connecticut Colony//. 2011. Web. 28 Aug. 2011. [].

//The Pequot War//. Web. 28 Aug. 2011. [].

Roland, Jon. //The Fundamental Orders of 1639//. Web. 28 Aug. 2011. [].

1) Who founded the colony 2) When was the colony founded 3) Why was the colony founded (Political, social, economic, religious) 4) History of the Colony leading up to the French and Indian War 5) Colonies relationship with the Native Americans 6) Slave population 7) Identify some of the major leaders and groups responsible for the founding of the original colonies in North America. Key Terms Thomas Hooker Fundamental Orders of Connecticut John Davenport
 * Team of Melanie B and Allie Bou**