What's in a Name?

Charter Oak State College takes its name from one of Connecticut’s most significant historical symbols. The Charter Oak – a massive tree on the Wyllys estate in Hartford – was so named because, in 1687, colonial leaders concealed the Charter of Connecticut within it, rather than give in to the demands of King James II who had sent his agent, Sir Edmond Andros, and an armed force to seize the Charter.  Although the great tree was toppled during a violent storm 169 years later, its descendants live on, sprouted from the original tree’s acorns.

At Charter Oak State College this enduring symbol of the human quest for liberty and self-determination is remembered and honored every time a member of our family tree graduates and moves on to pursue his or her life dreams.

Excerpted from “A History of Charter Oak State College”, written by Jim Smith.