America 250th Historical Signs

Objects of the Revolution

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) commissioned a series of signs to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. As one of the original thirteen colonies, Connecticut played a vital role in the founding of the United States.

Each sign highlights a unique Connecticut story from the Revolutionary era told through a historic object. The featured objects come primarily from museums, archives, and historical societies in Connecticut, as well as compelling artifacts from special collections across the United States. This project was completed in partnership with Connecticut State Historian and University of Connecticut professor Andy Horowitz, on behalf of the Connecticut Semiquincentennial Commission. The signs, which are printed in the colors of the Connecticut flag, were designed by students from the Design Center at the University of Connecticut.

More than 40 signs are displayed across the state at rest areas, service plazas, and busy transportation centers, and can be viewed below.

Learn more about objects of the revolution and where to see them in person  

Amos Doolittle's engraving

Viewable at the I-91 Southbound Wallingford Rest Area.

Battle of Ridgefield etching

Viewable at the I-95 Southbound Milford Service Plaza.

Benedict Arnold's effigy

Viewable at the I-95 Northbound Westbrook Welcome Center.

Cash Pallentine's discharge

Viewable at the I-84 Eastbound Willington Rest Area.

Charity Leete's document box

Viewable at the I-95 Southbound Branford Service Plaza.

Connecticut's militia drum

Sign only viewable online.

Connecticut's resolution

Viewable at the Route 15 (Merritt Parkway) Southbound Fairfield Service Plaza.

David Bushnell's Turtle

Viewable at the I-95 Southbound Fairfield Service Plaza.

Elisha Bostwick's pocket watch

Viewable at Bridgeport Train Station.

Elizabeth Foote's Bed Rug

Viewable at the I-395 Southbound Montville Service Plaza.

Goddard Declaration

Viewable at the I-95 Southbound Orange Service Plaza.

Job Lathrop's freedom

Viewable at the I-95 Northbound Branford Service Plaza.

John Dunlop's Declaration of Independence

Viewable at New Haven Union Station.

John Trumbull's painting

Viewable at the I-95 Northbound Greenwich Service Plaza.

Joseph Plumb Martin's memoir

Sign only viewable online.

Keeler Tavern's cannonball

Viewable at the Route 15 (Merritt Parkway) Southbound New Canaan Service Plaza.

King George's statue fragment

Viewable at the Route 15 (Merritt Parkway) Northbound New Canaan Service Plaza.

Lemuel Haynes's sermon

Viewable at Hartford Union Station

Light dragoon flag

Viewable at the Route 15 (Merritt Parkway) Southbound Greenwich Service Plaza.

Munson Hoyt's uniform

Viewable at the I-95 Northbound Darien Service Plaza.

Nathan Hale's diary

Viewable at the I-395 Northbound Plainfield Service Plaza.

Newgate prison

Viewable at the Route 15 (Merritt Parkway) Northbound North Haven Service Plaza.

Phillis Wheatley's letter

Sign only viewable online.

Phineas Meigs's hat

Viewable at the I-95 Southbound Madison Service Plaza.

Prince Simbo's powder horn

Viewable at the I-84 Westbound Willington Rest Area.

Punderson Punderson's needlepoint

Viewable at the Route 15 (Merritt Parkway) Southbound North Haven Service Plaza.

Ralph Earl's portrait of Roger Sherman

Viewable at the I-95 Northbound Fairfield Service Plaza and New Haven Union Station.

Robbin Starr's Paystub

Viewable at the I-84 Eastbound Danbury Rest Area/Welcome Center.

Rochambeau's map copy

Viewable at the I-395 Southbound Plainfield Service Plaza.

Salisbury mine candleholder

Viewable at the I-84 Eastbound Southington Rest Area.

Samson Occom's letter

Viewable at the I-95 Southbound North Stonington Rest Area/Welcome Center.

The Articles of Confederation

Viewable at the Route 15 (Merritt Parkway) Northbound Orange Service Plaza.

The Connecticut Courant

Viewable at the I-95 Northbound Milford Service Plaza.

Thomas Paine's Common Sense

Viewable at the I-95 Northbound Madison Service Plaza.

Timothy Green's currency

Viewable at the I-95 Southbound Darien Service Plaza.

Timothy Lee's Canteen

Viewable at the Route 15 (Merritt Parkway) Northbound Fairfield Service Plaza.

William Miller's affidavit

Viewable at the I-91 Northbound Middletown Rest Area.

William Tryon's Address to Connecticut Citizens

Viewable at Stamford Train Station.