The most prominent economic reform in Connecticut was the advent of canals. Engineers John Fitch, the inventor of the steamboat, and Benjamin Wright, one the top steamboat engineers, were both from Connecticut. Furthermore, the second canal in the nation was built to bypass a dam in the Connecticut River, connecting Connecticut to Boston by a convenient water route. A more close to home example is the Champlain Canal, which was completed as far as the village of Waterford. Other reforms in Connecticut are listed below.

Ø 1838 - Railroad completed between New Haven and Hartford.
Ø 1840's and 1850's - Peak of whaling from Connecticut ports and especially from New London.
Ø 1843- Charles Goodyear develops vulcanizing process for rubber.
Ø 1843- Civil rights of Jews protected through act guaranteeing equal privileges with Christians in forming religious societies.
Ø 1844 - Dr. Horace Wells uses anesthesia at Hartford.
Ø 1846 - Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company, the first life insurance company, chartered in Connecticut, companies start giving insurance benefits
Ø 1848 - Slavery is abolished in Connecticut.
Ø 1849 - First teachers' college founded at New Britain

Though towns did not grow as fast as in other states, nonetheless Connecticut was and is home to many reforms and famous reformers.