Colonial Governments of Connecticut
The pursuit of the Pequot tribe by early colonists led to the establishment of New Haven in 1638, by leaders like Mr. Eaton and Mr. Davenport. In 1639, free planters in Hartford adopted the first constitution in the New World, emphasizing civil and religious governance. This decade saw various other towns founded, and Connecticut’s government evolved, including the adoption of “blue laws” prescribing severe punishments for certain offenses. The colonies eventually formed the “United Colonies of New England” for mutual defense, as tensions with the Dutch in New Netherland grew.