Connecticut Water Trails Association
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Connecticut Water Trails Association |
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Connecticut Water Trails Program History Of Connecticut's Water Trails Connecticut and The Sea
From Long Island Sound, the rivers, the estuaries, to the open waters of
the Atlantic, Connecticut’s maritime geography helped establish the
state and define its early culture. The entire economic development and
the whole history of the colony and then the state are tied up with the
sea and this still remains true to this day. No part of Connecticut is
more than two hours from the Sound, yet for many state residents there
is no real connection to the sea. For others, the maritime life largely
defines who they are.
Connecticut’s experiences and history in relationship with the sea has entered its culture in ways that we don’t always even realize. The history of Connecticut was powerfully shaped by the sea. For hundreds of years, Connecticut looked to the open waters of the Atlantic, Long Island Sound, the coastal estuaries and inland rivers -- for both inspiration and livelihood. It’s people have always aggressively found new ways and new industries to exploit the sea's bounty, pursue adventure on and under its surface, and enjoy its vast beauty. It is a steadily unfolding story of boundless possibilities met by extraordinary ingenuity.
Through new ideas and technologies, fishery
development, naval defense, and exploration - Connecticut’s continuing
connection to the sea helped not only to build the state, but also
played a large part in America's maritime story. Although the sea was
once the economic mainstay of Connecticut and a dominant part of its
culture, many state residents today have little sense of its exceptional
role in state history. Connecticut’s seafaring ways and its coastal
connections continue to spur imagination and stimulate the economy.
The story of Connecticut and
the sea is constantly evolving, connecting the rich maritime history of
the state to its future.
Through the centuries, Connecticut's people have used the sea for an
endless stream of maritime commerce, production and recreation.
Some industries have run their course, and become part of
history. Others have been transformed by changing times. Still others
are yet to be born and to flourish.
The defining characteristic of Connecticut's
relationship with the sea is the fertile meeting of imagination with the
sea's infinite possibilities -- how ideas, expertise and bold ventures
have created great rewards -- often with equal sacrifice.
Somewhere, at this moment, someone is looking out at
Long Island Sound's watery horizon, with yet another new idea on how to
exploit, nurture or harness this richest of resources.
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