Famous People

Ethan Allan (1738 - 1789) American Revolutionary soldier. Born in Litchfield, CT (69)

Benedict Arnold (1741 - 1801) A captain of the Colonial Army turned British spy. He is famous for burning down the town of New London; since then, his name has meant "traitor;". Born in Norwich, CT (66)

Phineas T. Barnum (1810 - 1891) One founder of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. Born in Bethel, CT (67)

John Brown (1800 - 1859) Infamous abolitionist during the Civil War. Born in Torrington, CT (185)

George W. Bush (1946 - ) 43rd U.S. President and 47th governor of Texas; grew up in Midland and Houston. Born in New Haven, CT (551)

Samuel Colt (1814 - 1862) Inventor and founder of the Colt firearm company. Born in Hartford, CT (71)

Charles Goodyear (1800 - 1860) Inventor of vulcanized rubber. Born in New Haven, CT (77)

Ella Grasso (2000 - 1981) The first woman to be elected governor of a state. Born in Hartford County, CT (79)

Nathan Hale (1755 - 1776) A martyr soldier of the American Revolution. Born in Coventry, CT (72)

Katharine Hepburn (1907 - 2003) Famous actress who won four Academy Awards for best actress. Born in Hartford, CT (73)

Mary Kies (1752 - 1837) The first woman to receive a US patent, received on May 15th, 1809 for a method of weaving straw with silk; from South Killingly. Born in , CT (74)

Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. (1908 - 1972) Congressman. Born in New Haven, CT (78)

Meg Ryan (1961 - ) Born Margaret Mary Emily Hyra Is an American Actress. Born in Fairfield, CT (803)

Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811 - 1896) Abolitionist and humanitarian; author of Uncle Tom's Cabin; lived in Brunswick. Born in Litchfield, CT (233)

Noah Webster (1758 - 1843) Author of the first dictionary published in 1807; from West Hartford. Born in Hartford, CT (76)

Eleazar Wheelock (1711 - 1779) Founded Dartmouth College in 1769 in the city of Hanover, he also served as the first president. Born in Windham, CT (367)