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New Haven, Connecticut

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New Haven is a major city located in the state of Connecticut.

New Haven County Connecticut Incorporated and Unincorporated areas New Haven Highlighted
New Haven County Connecticut Incorporated and Unincorporated areas New Haven Highlighted

It sits on New Haven Harbor along the northern shore of Long Island Sound.

New Haven from above, 2009-12-10
New Haven from above, 2009-12-10

The city is the third-most populous in Connecticut. According to the 2020 census, it has 134,023 residents. The larger Greater New Haven metropolitan area is much bigger. It contains an estimated 577,000 people.

South Central Connecticut incorporated and unincorporated areas New Haven highlighted
South Central Connecticut incorporated and unincorporated areas New Haven highlighted

Before European settlers arrived, the Quinnipiac tribe lived in this area. They lived in villages around the harbor. They sustained themselves through local fisheries. They also farmed maize. In 1614, a Dutch explorer named Adriaen Block visited the region. Dutch traders later set up a sporadic trade in beaver pelts. However, the Dutch did not settle here permanently. In 1638, a group of 500 English Puritans arrived. They were led by Reverend John Davenport and Theophilus Eaton. The Quinnipiacs sold their land to these settlers. They did this in exchange for a pledge of protection.

The settlers created one of the first planned cities in the United States. In 1639, they laid out a three-by-three grid of streets. This design is known as the "Nine Square Plan."

Atwater1881 p10 Map New Haven in 1641
Atwater1881 p10 Map New Haven in 1641

The center of this grid is the New Haven Green. This central square is a National Historic Landmark. The entire Nine Square Plan is also a National Planning Landmark. This layout continues to define the downtown area today. The city was named New Haven because "haven" means a harbor or port.

New Haven held a special political role for many years. It served as a co-capital of Connecticut from 1701 to 1873. Eventually, the sole governance moved to Hartford. The city also became a center for learning. In 1716, the Collegiate School moved to New Haven. In 1718, a merchant named Eli Yale gave a large donation. Because of this gift, the school was renamed Yale College.

Yale University 08
Yale University 08

Yale University is now the city's largest employer. It is also the biggest taxpayer in the city.

During the American Revolution, the city faced significant danger. In 1779, British forces landed in the harbor. General William Tryon led 2,600 loyalists and regulars in a raid. They attacked a town of only 3,500 people.

New Haven 1786
New Haven 1786

A militia made of Yale students prepared to fight. However, the town was not burned like other nearby places. This helped preserve many colonial features of the city. Later, the city became part of a growing industrial economy.

Industrialization changed the city's landscape in the 18th and 19th centuries. Eli Whitney, a Yale graduate, developed the cotton gin here. He also established a gun-manufacturing factory.

Harbor and long Wharf, from Depot Tower, New Haven, by Whitney, Beckwith & Paradice
Harbor and long Wharf, from Depot Tower, New Haven, by Whitney, Beckwith & Paradice

This helped Connecticut become known as "The Arsenal of America." In 1836, Samuel Colt invented the automatic revolver in a local plant. Other famous makers like Oliver Winchester also worked here. These industries helped the city grow through the Civil War era. The population even doubled by the start of the 20th century.

New Haven has a diverse social history. Many immigrants from southern Europe moved there. Specifically, many people from Italy settled in the area. In fact, about half of the population in nearby East Haven is Italian-American. Jewish immigration also left a lasting mark on the city. During the 20th century, more people arrived from the American South and Puerto Rico. The city reached its peak population after World War II. Since then, the city has undergone major urban renewal projects. These projects rebuilt downtown with new offices and museums.

Today, the city is called the "Cultural Capital of Connecticut." It is famous for its many theaters and music venues. It is also known for its beautiful trees. New Haven had the first public tree planting program in the U.S. This created a canopy of large elms. This earned the city the nickname "The Elm City."

Large American Elm Tree, New Haven, CT - June 10, 2017
Large American Elm Tree, New Haven, CT - June 10, 2017

The city remains a vital hub for health care and professional services.

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🖼️ Images & Media (42)
File:New Haven County Connecticut Incorporated and Unincorporated areas New Haven Highlighted.svg
New Haven County Connecticut Incorporated...
File:South Central Connecticut incorporated and unincorporated areas New Haven highlighted.svg
South Central Connecticut incorporated...
File:I-95.svg
I-95.svg
File:I-91.svg
I-91.svg
File:Connecticut Highway 15.svg
Connecticut Highway 15.svg
File:Amtrak logo 2.svg
Amtrak logo 2.svg
File:Hartford Line Transparent.png
Hartford Line Transparent.png
File:MTA NYC logo.svg
MTA NYC logo.svg
File:Atwater1881 p10 Map New Haven in 1641.jpg
Atwater1881 p10 Map New Haven in 1641.jpg
File:Theophilus Eaton house in New Haven.png
Theophilus Eaton house in New Haven.png
File:New Haven 1786.jpeg
New Haven 1786.jpeg
File:Second meeting house, new haven, ct.png
Second meeting house, new haven, ct.png

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