Connecticut's extensive industry, dense population, flat terrain, and wealth encouraged the construction of railroads starting in 1839.
By 1840, 102 miles (164 km) of line were in operation, growing to 402 miles (647 km) in 1850 and 601 miles (967 km) in 1860.

The New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, called the New Haven or "The Consolidated", became the dominant Connecticut railroad company after 1872.
J. P. Morgan began financing the major New England railroads in the 1890s, dividing territory so that they would not compete.
The New Haven purchased 50 smaller companies, including steamship lines, and built a network of light rails (electrified trolleys) that provided inter-urban transportation for all of southern New England.
By 1912, the New Haven operated over 2,000 miles (3,200 km) of track with 120,000 employees.

As steam-powered passenger ships proliferated after the Civil War,  Noank would produce the two largest built in Connecticut during the 19th century, with the 332-foot wooden steam  paddle wheeler Rhode Island launched in 1882, and the 345-foot paddle wheeler Connecticut seven years later.
Connecticut shipyards would launch more than 165 steam-powered vessels in the 19th century.

In 1875, the first telephone exchange in the world was established in New Haven.
Connecticut's extensive industry, dense population, flat terrain, and wealth encouraged the construction of railroads starting in 1839. By 1840, 102 miles (164 km) of line were in operation, growing to 402 miles (647 km) in 1850 and 601 miles (967 km) in 1860.
The New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, called the New Haven or "The Consolidated", became the dominant Connecticut railroad company after 1872. J. P. Morgan began financing the major New England railroads in the 1890s, dividing territory so that they would not compete. The New Haven purchased 50 smaller companies, including steamship lines, and built a network of light rails (electrified trolleys) that provided inter-urban transportation for all of southern New England. By 1912, the New Haven operated over 2,000 miles (3,200 km) of track with 120,000 employees.
As steam-powered passenger ships proliferated after the Civil War,  Noank would produce the two largest built in Connecticut during the 19th century, with the 332-foot wooden steam  paddle wheeler Rhode Island launched in 1882, and the 345-foot paddle wheeler Connecticut seven years later. Connecticut shipyards would launch more than 165 steam-powered vessels in the 19th century.
In 1875, the first telephone exchange in the world was established in New Haven.
Connecticut