Southern New England, 1639-45, image 1 of 19
The First Connecticut Constitution
“The colony thus founded a Christian Commonwealth and a purely democratic republic upon the first written constitution of any State in America, if not indeed, in the world. And this, with such slight changes in its practical provisions as the increase of population demanded, [...]
Southern New England, 1639-45, image 2 of 19
John Davenport and His Church
“And the vigilance was unceasing. The records of the proceedings of the General Court that chose the first chief magistrate of the new Commonwealth, also show that by the decree of that fountain of law one Edmunds was to be whipped at a [...]
Southern New England, 1638-45, 3 of 19
John Davenport
“The supremacy obtained over the Indians by arms was confirmed by law over those who survived the Pequot war. It was a penal act to sell them arms, or even to mend those of which they were already in possession. Theft, and intimidation for the sake [...]
Southern New England, 1638-45 4 of 19
Signature of Momauguin
“But there were two reasons, imperative with the new-comers, for seeking a place for their future home without the bounds of Massachusetts: there was too much theological controversy and not sufficient harbor accommodation about the Bay. The banishment of Mrs. Hutchinson was not the extirpation of [...]
Southern New England, 1638-45, image 5 of 19
John Davenport’s First Sunday at New Haven, Connecticut
“Several of their number had held possession through the winter, but the first solemn and formal act of occupation was on the 18th of April, the Sunday after their arrival. Then this new band of Pilgrim Fathers assembled beneath the [...]
Southern New England, 1638-45, image 6 of 19
Site of Newman’s Barn New Haven, Connecticut
“But in June of the next year preliminary measures were taken for a permanent political organization. These were of a remarkable character, whether looked upon as an instance of the intense earnestness of the religious convictions of the Puritans, or of [...]
Southern New England, 1639-45, image 7 of 19
Signature of Theophilus Eaton
“Two months later the people were again assembled; again they were exhorted and counseled by Davenport, with the Bible between his hands. He was now, however, more than leader by weight of character and respect for his learning; the church had chosen him as [...]
Southern New England, 1638-45, image 8 of 19
Old House in Guilford, CT
“On this model established at New Haven other churches were soon gathered in other places, and each church was a town. Some were within the boundaries of Connecticut, and sent their representatives to the General Court at Hartford; others were for some years [...]
Southern New England, 1638-45, image 9 of 19
Mouth of the Connecticut River
“Nor could the claim of the Dutch West India Company to the Fresh River – the Connecticut – by right of prior discovery and occupation, through so pertinaciously urged, seriously hinder the steady progress of the English along the shores of the Sound toward [...]
Southern New England, 1638-45, image 10 of 19
Gardiner’s Island, Long Island, New York
“Not only was the “crowding” pushed along the shores of the mainland, but it crossed the Sound. In 1639, Lion Gardiner purchased of the Indians the island Manchonack – since know as Gardiner’s Island – near Montauk Point. Shelter Island, still [...]