1. On December 18, 1737, Connecticut College was founded in New London, CT. Originally known as the "Connecticut College for Women," it was one of the first women's colleges in the United States.

2. In 1787, the Connecticut state legislature met in Hartford on December 18 to ratify the United States Constitution, becoming the fifth state to do so.

3. The famous Flo Gris restaurant in the town of Westbrook opened its doors for the first time on December 18, 1944. The restaurant, which has since closed, was known for its seafood and its waterside location.

4. In 1973, the Connecticut state lottery held its first drawing on December 18. The lottery has since become a popular form of entertainment for residents and visitors alike.

5. On December 18, 2012, a gunman fatally shot 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. The incident shocked the nation and led to renewed calls for gun control reform.