1. Connecticut was the fifth state to ratify the Declaration of Independence.
On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted unanimously to approve a resolution of independence, declaring the 13 British colonies in North America to be free and independent states. Connecticut was one of the 12 colonies represented in the Congress, and it ratified the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, just two days after the initial vote.

2. The Battle of Ridgefield took place on July 2, 1777.
During the American Revolutionary War, British troops were advancing from New York City towards Danbury, Connecticut, where the Continental Army had established a supply depot. On April 27, 1777, the British reached Danbury and burned most of the supplies. On July 2, a force of American soldiers and militia engaged the British at Ridgefield, Connecticut, in what became known as the Battle of Ridgefield. While the British ultimately drove the Americans back, the battle delayed their progress and forced them to retreat to New York.

3. The Connecticut Turnpike officially opened on July 2, 1958.
The Connecticut Turnpike was a toll road that connected Greenwich, Connecticut, to Stonington, Connecticut, running along Interstate 95. The road was officially opened on July 2, 1958, and it greatly improved travel times and accessibility in the state. The turnpike was decommissioned in 1985, and much of the route is now part of I-95.

4. Connecticut became the first state to grant women's suffrage on July 2, 1869.
On July 2, 1869, Connecticut became the first state to grant women the right to vote in local school board elections. This was a significant milestone in the women's suffrage movement, and it paved the way for other states to follow suit. Connecticut did not grant full suffrage to women until 1920, when the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified.

5. The first official flag of Connecticut was adopted on July 2, 1897.
Connecticut's first official flag featured a blue field with the state's coat of arms in the center. The coat of arms includes three grapevines, representing the state's early success in grape cultivation, as well as a Latin motto that translates to "He who transplanted sustains." The flag was adopted by the state legislature on July 2, 1897, and it remains in use today.