1. In 1735, the first execution took place in Connecticut. Two men, John and Richard Bowen, were hanged in New London for the murder of their cousin, Hannah Long.

2. On June 2, 1774, a group of Colonists in New London raided the home of British customs collector Jacob Miller, stealing a large quantity of tea and other goods. This event foreshadowed the Boston Tea Party that would take place later that year.

3. In 1862, the Civil War Battle of Memphis took place on the Mississippi River. Connecticut soldiers played a significant role in the battle, which resulted in a Union victory.

4. On June 2, 1943, the USS Connecticut, a battleship named after the state, was commissioned. The ship served in World War II and saw action in the Pacific theater.

5. In 1983, Connecticut became the first state to ban indoor smoking in public spaces. The law prohibited smoking in all public buildings except for designated smoking areas. This was a landmark victory for public health and anti-smoking advocates.