The entire country has a great many things to thank the Nutmeg State for. Lollipops, the modern paper clip, hamburgers, the Frisbee: all of these things and more are all inventions from Connecticut. Another famous invention from Connecticut has had more practical results for the world, however. Did you know the first modern submarine was crafted in Connecticut? Way back in 1775, David Bushnell made the aptly-named Turtle, and it took its first “sail” in Saybrook, CT prior to being used in the Revolutionary War. Submarines have proved incredibly important in global history, and played major roles in both World Wars. It’s no exaggeration at all to say they are one of the most vital inventions in naval history, and we’ve got our state to thank for them!

There are actually records of submarine-like devices being submerged in Greece in the 16th century, but the first military submarine was Turtle. It was the first submarine that could be operated and steered underwater.
William Oliver Stevens/Wikimedia Commons
The Turtle was invented by David Bushnell, who hoped to use the device for fighting against the British in the Revolutionary War. The Turtle's development was supported and partially financed by George Washington himself.
Herbert C. Fyfe, John Leyland, Edward James Reed/Wikimedia Commons
The Turtle was an acorn-shaped device that was made of two oak shells connected together by iron, almost like a barrel. It could hold just one person and was powered and steered by hand cranking and foot pedals.
Geni - Geni/Wikimedia Commons

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Ezra Lee, a sergeant in the Continental Army, was chosen to pilot the Turtle. It only had enough air for about 30 minutes of submersion, and was difficult to steer.
Wikimedia Commons
After a few test runs in Connecticut, the Turtle was intended to steer towards a British ship, the HMS Eagle, that was docked in New York Harbor. Lee was to exit the submarine, attach explosives to the Eagle's hull, then flee the scene on the submarine.
divemasterking2000/Wikimedia Commons
Unfortunately, Lee found himself unable to attach the explosives. He feared being discovered by the British Navy, so he abandoned his efforts and returned to shore in the Turtle.
The exact fate of the Turtle is unknown - it is thought that it was likely sunk during the war. The device's importance to military history cannot be understated, though - it paved the way for modern submarines that were to change the course of later wars.
U.S. Navy Photo by General Dynamics Electric Boat/Wikimedia Commons

While you can’t see the original Turtle today, there are several replicas all over the world (a few of them are pictured above). One can be seen at the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, CT. It’s definitely one of the most famous inventions from Connecticut!

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Submarine Force Library & Museum, 1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06340, USA