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Charter Oak Hides as Connecticut Lands Are Divided
In 1687 Andross sought surrender of Connecticut’s charter, a hidden charter oak became a symbol after Captain Wadsworth hid it in a crevice. The charter’s fate sparked debates and legends until the oak fell in 1858, inspiring insurers and a regional myth tied to Connecticut’s western lands. Connecticut later sold the Western Reserve to eastern buyers in 1795, creating the Connecticut Land Company that parceled out Elyria and nearby townships to settlers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Connecticut
James the Second
Egypt
Joseph
Charles the Second
Andross
New England
Gotvecemor
State House
Startford
Colonial Assembly
Hans
Wadsworth
Charter Oak Insurance Co
Connecticut Western Reserve
New York
Pennsylvania
Benedict Arnold
Norwalk
Fairfield
Danbury New
East Haven
New London
Erie
Huron
Geenwich
Fulfield
Oliver Phelps
Lorain County
Connecticut Land Company
Elyria
Elyria Township
Middle Avenue
Grafton
Justin Ely
West Springfield
Mass
Heman Ely