Broadcast: December 30, 1936

Starring: Various

Added: Dec 30 2004

The facts of the story of the Charter Oak are clouded in legend. New England was colonized by who put self-government above all other ideals. Although officially under the rule of the British crown, extensive rights and privileges were given to the colonists by their charters. Connecticut people in particular came to regard their colony’s charter as a symbol of its freedom. In 1686 the Privy Council in England decided to join all New England under one government and appointed Sir Edmund Andros governor of the United Province. The story of Connecticut’s determined effort to keep its identity and protect its charter is one that has become a New England legend.