1. On August 18, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the Revolutionary War and recognizing the independence of the United States. Many Connecticut soldiers played a key role in the war effort, including General Israel Putnam.

2. The first successful test of a electric trolley car was conducted in Connecticut on August 18, 1888. The car operated on a line between Bridgeport and Black Rock, and paved the way for the widespread use of electric streetcars in the United States.

3. On August 18, 1920, Tennessee ratified the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guaranteed women the right to vote. Connecticut had already ratified the amendment earlier that year.

4. The first commercial radio station in Connecticut, WDRC, went on the air on August 18, 1925. The station initially broadcast from the Hotel Bond in Hartford, and later became one of the most popular stations in the state.

5. On August 18, 1955, Hurricane Diane hit Connecticut and caused extensive flooding and damage. The storm claimed 7 lives in the state, and caused millions of dollars in property damage. It was one of the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history at the time.