The Charter Oak Chair stands on the dais in the Senate Chamber.
It was carved in 1857 from the fallen oak tree, which in 1687 hid the self-governing charter given to the Connecticut colony by King Charles II in 1662.
The Charter was hidden to prevent British officials from returning it to King James II.
The top of each post is ornamented with an acorn springing from a coronal of oak leaves, while the posts and arms are entwined with branches of oak with leaves and acorns.
Courtesy of the League of Women Voters of Connecticut, Inc.
The chair is 65 inches tall, 36.5 inches wide, and the seat is 29 inches
deep.
The back is surmounted by a spread eagle, and the center is a medallion containing the State coat of arms, surrounded by a wreath of oak.
A group of flags ornaments the front of the seat.
The chair is massive, all the carving being wrought from the solid wood.
Over the years, the chair has also become known as “The Wishing Chair”.