1. The Hartford Convention began on December 5, 1814 - This was a meeting of representatives from several New England states to discuss their grievances with the War of 1812 and consider seceding from the United States. Although secession was not ultimately pursued, the convention did lead to some changes in federal policies.

2. Jonathan Trumbull Jr. became Connecticut's first governor on December 5, 1797 - Trumbull served in this position for ten years and was known for his support of education and anti-slavery policies.

3. The Connecticut House of Representatives passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage on December 5, 2008 - This made Connecticut the third state in the US, after Massachusetts and California, to legalize same-sex marriage.

4. The USS Hartford, a Civil War-era ship, was launched on December 5, 1858 - The ship was named after the city of Hartford, Connecticut and served in several naval campaigns during the Civil War.

5. The famous toy store FAO Schwarz opened its doors in Connecticut on December 5, 1997 - The store, located in West Hartford, was the first FAO Schwarz location outside of New York City. It closed in 2004 but reopened in Manhattan in 2018.