1. In 1787, Connecticut became the fifth state to ratify the United States Constitution. Known as the "Constitution State," Connecticut played an important role in the formation of the federal government.

2. On December 6, 1848, the charter of Wesleyan University was granted by the Connecticut General Assembly. Founded in 1831, Wesleyan has become one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

3. In 1917, the deadliest train disaster in Connecticut history occurred in New Haven. Two trains collided, killing 23 people and injuring over 100 others.

4. On December 6, 1956, the Hartford Courant published an editorial calling for an end to segregation in Connecticut schools. This was a bold stance at the time, as many public schools in the state were still segregated.

5. In 1995, Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim was indicted on 24 counts of racketeering, extortion, and bribery. Ganim would ultimately be convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison, making him the first Connecticut mayor ever to be sent to jail on corruption charges.