Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Thursday Thirteen-Famous CT People

After particpating in Weekly Geeks' literary tour, I thought I'd do my Thursday Thirteen this week on Thirteen Famous People who were either born or lived in CT and contributed greatly to our state.

1. Ethan Allen(1738 - 1789) American Revolutionary soldier. Most widely known for his participation in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga. Born in Litchfield, CT

2. 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

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

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

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

6. William Gillette (1853-1937) Actor/Playwirght, famous for portraying Sherlock Holmes.

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

8. Ella T. Grasso (1919-1981)
First woman elected Governor in CT

9. Nathan Hale (1755 - 1776) A martyr soldier of the American Revolution. Famous for saying I only regreat that I have but one life to lose for my country. Born in Coventry, CT.

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


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

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

13. Eli Whitney (1765-1825) Inventor of the cotton gin.

9 comments:

Nicholas said...

Very interesting list. Was John Brown infamous? Or heroic? When I lived in London, I lived for many years just a few hundred yards from the house where Benedict Arnold lived out his last days. Of course, we thought of him as a hero and true patriot.

annies home said...

what a history of famous important people

Unknown said...

Fascinating. I love Katherin Hepburn. She's one classy lady.

Happy T13!

Journeywoman said...

Great list.

kandyblossom said...

What an informative list!

Happy TT!

Hootin Anni said...

Ohhhhhhhhhhh, now this is really eerie! Just the other day husband and me were trying to figure out WHO played Sherlock Holmes!!! Whoa....eerie.

Great list.

Happy Thirteening!!

I am Harriet said...

Wow. Great tribute.
Great list.

Mia Celeste said...

Interesting. I love learning new facts. Happy TT!

PMKU said...

Oh I love the history lesson! Happy TT and thanks for stopping by this week.co