Why is Connecticut called the nutmeg state?

Answer 1

Because they have lots of nutmeg there

Answer 2

Connecticut: The Nutmeg State

This is the nickname that many people in Connecticut like best. In fact, many people from Connecticut still call themselves NUTMEGGERS. (Other choices: Connecticuter, Connecticotian, Connecticutensian—we think nutmegger sounds a lot better. What do you think?)

But even though The Nutmeg State is a great nickname, what does it mean? People THINK it comes from Yankee peddlers who traveled around the state selling nutmegs. (What is a nutmeg? Click HERE.)

The mystery just deepens, though, doesn't it? Why is selling nutmeg so important? Colonial cooks prized nutmeg for the spicy flavor it gave their dishes. (Think of pumpkin pie or gingerbread.) So nutmeg might have been an important part of daily life in colonial Connecticut. Also, sailors from Connecticut brought the spice back from the Spice Islands in the East Indies, where nutmeg grows. This attempt of American seafaring companies to enter the spice trade was very important to our nation's early commerce.

But some say sly Yankee peddlers sold people WOODEN nutmegs, not real nutmegs. So a Nutmegger might be a shrewd and slippery character, a kind of colonial con artist. If this story is true, the Nutmegger nickname is pretty insulting.

Raw nutmeg comes in woody little nuggets that have to be grated to produce the spice, though. So it's also possible that the peddlers sold real nutmeg to people who didn't know how to use it. These clueless country folk might have just THOUGHT they were being swindled.

You can read more about the Nutmegger debate by going to the Web site of the Connecticut state library, www.state.ct.us/faqs4.htm#Nicknames

Answer 3

The Nutmeg State

Answer 4

It's not a very flattering reason. In colonial days itinerant salesmen in Connecticut would travel around selling products to distant farms. One product was a nut carved from wood that looked like the expensive nutmeg. The salesman would cheat people by selling this wooden fake at a high price.

BUt, we are also known as the Constitution State because the US Constitution is loosely based on Connecticut's constitution. We are also known as the Munitions State because during the Revolutionary War and Civil War Connecticut provided most of the firearms for our soldiers. We are officially called the Constitution State today.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Why is Connecticut called the nutmeg state?

Answer 6

They used to sell fake nutmegs made of wood.
really.

Answer 7

Oh funny I have always called it the nutbag state... my bad