1. In 1775, residents of Danbury, Connecticut learned of a British plan to raid their supply depot. Led by General George Washington, American troops intercepted the British and engaged in the Battle of Ridgefield, resulting in a narrow victory for the Americans.

2. In 1873, the state's first commercial phonograph recording was made by the Starr Piano Company in New Haven. The recording featured local composer Augustus Loring playing his own composition, "Bright Moonlight Waltz."

3. On July 26, 1909, the first state highway in Connecticut was officially christened. Constructed between Hartford and New Britain, the 11-mile stretch of road provided a smoother, more direct route for motorists and helped spur the growth of the automobile industry in the state.

4. In 1943, the Hartford Circus Fire occurred, resulting in the deaths of 167 people and injuries to over 700 others. The disaster inspired significant improvements in fire codes and safety regulations for public events.

5. On this day in 1971, Connecticut became the first state to mandate the inclusion of African American studies in its public school curriculum. The courses were designed to promote cultural awareness and understanding, and have since been adopted by several other states.