Connecticut is a state that proudly displays its New England roots. Even the major cities, such as Bridgeport or state capital Hartford, possess the historic charm of old stately homes and majestic church steeples. Originally settled by the Dutch, Connecticut became a British colony in 1636. The Fundamental Orders that were proposed and adopted by the colony in 1639 are widely regarded as the first written constitution in Western history. For this reason, Connecticut has been nicknamed the "Constitution State." The state's other nickname, "Nutmeg State," likely comes from tales of Connecticut Yankee peddlers who would carve small nobs of wood and sell them as nutmeg to unsuspecting Southerners.