Thomas Hooker

Thomas Hooker

George Carteret

The Father of Connecticut

Known as the "Father of Connecticut," Thomas Hooker was widely known as an outstanding preacher, prolific writer, theologian, and inspiration of the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, the state's first constitution. Hooker was from modern day Cambridge (then Newtown), Massachusetts, but became disillusioned with the strict Puritans laws that governed the colony. Only male church members who owned property were allowed to vote. Hooker believed in universal suffrage and opposed the idea that voting should be predicated on church membership. He believed that governing bodies should answer to those that are governed. At odds with the Puritan leadership in Massachusetts, Hooker and 100 of his followers traveled an old Indian road known as the Connecticut Path to modern-day Hartford, Connecticut. Hooker's teachings and sermons gave rise to the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut which established a civil government as well as assured Connecticut was a separate colony from Massachusetts.

Glossary

  • Preacher – A person who gives speeches about religion.
  • Theologian – A person who studies religious beliefs.
  • Puritan – A member of a strict religious group that settled in New England.
  • Suffrage – The right to vote in elections.
  • Fundamental Orders – A set of laws that served as the first constitution of Connecticut.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why did Thomas Hooker disagree with the Puritan laws in Massachusetts?
  2. What was the Connecticut Path, and why is it important?
  3. How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut change government in the colony?
  4. Why is Thomas Hooker called the "Father of Connecticut"?

Thomas Hooker: Father of Connecticut

Thomas Hooker was a well-known preacher, writer, and thinker who helped create the first constitution of Connecticut. He was called the "Father of Connecticut" for his role in founding the colony.

Leaving Massachusetts

Hooker lived in what is now Cambridge, Massachusetts. He disagreed with the strict Puritan rules that only let male church members who owned land vote. Hooker believed that everyone should have a say in government, not just church members.

Founding Hartford

Because of his beliefs, Hooker and about 100 followers left Massachusetts. They walked an old Native American trail called the Connecticut Path to what is now Hartford, Connecticut. There, Hooker's ideas helped create the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut.

The Fundamental Orders

The Fundamental Orders set up a government based on the will of the people, not the church. It also made sure that Connecticut was a separate colony from Massachusetts.