Founding of New Haven

In 1638, about 500 Puritans left the Massachusetts Bay Colony to form a community where they could worship more freely. They settled in an area called Quinnipiac, named after the local Native American tribe. In 1640, the settlement was renamed New Haven. By 1664, New Haven became part of the Connecticut Colony, and in 1701, it was named a co-capital of Connecticut, a role it held until 1873.

Yale University Comes to New Haven

Yale University, one of America’s most respected schools, moved from Old Saybrook to New Haven in 1716. Since then, it has been a major part of the city’s identity and has helped shape its culture and economy.

Powder House Day and the Revolution

On April 23, 1775, word of the Battles of Lexington and Concord reached Connecticut. The Governor’s Foot Guard, led by Benedict Arnold, demanded the keys to the Powder House so they could arm themselves and join the fight in Massachusetts. This event, known as Powder House Day, is still celebrated in New Haven.

Eli Whitney and the Cotton Gin

In 1792, Eli Whitney, a Yale graduate, invented the cotton gin in New Haven. This machine made cotton processing about 50 times faster. Unfortunately, it also increased the demand for enslaved labor in the South, which deepened the problem of slavery in America.

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Discussion Questions

1. Why did the Puritans decide to leave the Massachusetts Bay Colony to form New Haven?
2. How has Yale University influenced the history and culture of New Haven?
3. What was Powder House Day, and why was it important in the Revolutionary War?
4. How did Eli Whitney’s cotton gin both help and harm the United States?

Glossary

• Puritans – A religious group from England who wanted to “purify” the Church of England.
• Colony – A territory ruled by another country.
• Militia – A group of citizens trained to fight in emergencies.
• Revolution – A major change, often involving the overthrow of a government.
• Cotton gin – A machine that quickly removes seeds from cotton fibers.

Five Interesting Facts

1. New Haven was first called Quinnipiac after the local Native American tribe.
2. It served as a co-capital of Connecticut for over 170 years.
3. Yale University moved to New Haven in 1716.
4. Benedict Arnold, later known as a traitor, once defended the Revolution in New Haven.
5. The cotton gin was invented in New Haven, not in the South where it was most used.

Timeline

• 1638 – Puritans found Quinnipiac (later New Haven).
• 1640 – Town renamed New Haven.
• 1664 – Becomes part of Connecticut Colony.
• 1701 – Named co-capital of Connecticut.
• 1716 – Yale University moves to New Haven.
• 1775 – Powder House Day event occurs.
• 1792 – Eli Whitney invents the cotton gin.
• 1873 – New Haven stops being a co-capital.

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