Connecticut Observed: Three Centuries of Visitors' Impressions 1676–1946
Richard Buel Jr. and J. Bard McNulty, editors
A collection of primary source material offers insights into Connecticut over nearly three centuries.
They came, they saw, they commented: on Connecticut's blue laws and green landscapes, on meeting the great and near great, on sleigh-rides and dances, on charming views from Talcott Mountain and East Rock, on cures at Stafford's spa, intellectual life at Yale, religion, politics, and table manners. Men and women, English, Hungarian, Scottish, French, they included a sea captain, a lady traveling on horseback – sharp-eyed and sharp tongued, a doctor, a U.S. President-to-be, and many others. Some fell in love with "this wonderful little State"; some didn't. Here are their experiences and opinions in their own words.
"Richard Buel Jr. has compiled an extraordinary collection of letters, diaries, sermons, and newspaper articles written by federalist and republican leaders, ministers, lawyers, women, promoters, and detractors concerning the promise of the state’s Western Reserve. He has given us a superb narrative about a central but neglected aspect of Connecticut’s history.”—Howard R. Lamar, Sterling Professor Emeritus of History, Yale University
Richard Buel Jr. is professor of history emeritus at Wesleyan University. He is a member of the Acorn Club, an organization founded in 1899 to publish books of enduring value about Connecticut.
J. Bard McNulty is professor emeritus of English at Trinity College, and author of several books on the cultural history of Connecticut.