Text: Qui transtulit sustinet

Translation: He who transplanted us, sustains us

Location: Porter Gate, Cross Campus

Commentary:

This is the coat of arms of Connecticut. The Latin appears to be an original composition. That is, it is not a quote from elsewhere. Its modernized translation of the inscription is believed to mean that, since God has moved us, the Puritans, to Connecticut, we are saved from religious persecution [from the Church of England] and still under God’s protection. According to the official website of the State of Connecticut, Charles J. Hoadly suggested that the imagery is a reference to Psalm 80, “Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.”

Above the inscription are three stakes wrapped with grapevines. According to Britannica, they represent either the three colonies of what is now the state of Connecticut (Connecticut Colony, New Haven Colony, and Saybrook Colony) or the first three towns founded by Europeans (Hartford, Wethersfield, and Windsor).

The Puritans established Connecticut as a religious haven from other religious groups who perceived the Puritans’ views as unjust. Yale was also founded due to this, as the Puritans wanted to create a college where their leaders could learn at higher levels.

Of course, you’ll see this inscription all around the Yale campus; and while it is contradictory to Yale’s belief of religious inclusivity, Yale wants to acknowledge the history of Yale, New Haven, and of the State of Connecticut being founded upon religion and particularly Puritanism.

Porter Gate, Cross Campus

Editor: Kurt Boone, December 12, 2023