1. In 1783, the Connecticut Courant newspaper published a letter from the United States Congress announcing the end of the Revolutionary War. The letter, signed by President of Congress Elias Boudinot, confirmed the signing of the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783, which formally ended hostilities and recognized American independence.

2. On June 4, 1816, a massive flood swept through Connecticut's Naugatuck Valley, destroying mills and homes and killing at least 16 people. The flood was caused by heavy rains and the failure of a dam on the Naugatuck River.

3. Connecticut Governor Wilbur Cross signed legislation on June 4, 1935, establishing the first state income tax in the United States. The tax was met with opposition from many residents and businesses, but it was seen as necessary to help the state recover from the Great Depression, which had devastated Connecticut's economy.

4. On June 4, 1943, medical researcher Dr. George H. Hitchings was awarded a Doctor of Science degree from Yale University. Hitchings, who was born in Hoquiam, Washington and grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, went on to win the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1988 for his work on developing antiviral and anticancer drugs.

5. The Westport Country Playhouse, one of Connecticut's most renowned theaters, opened its doors on June 4, 1931. Founded by Broadway actors Lawrence Langner and Armina Marshall, the theater quickly gained a reputation for presenting high-quality productions featuring some of the biggest stars of the day. Over the years, the Westport Country Playhouse has hosted performances by such luminaries as Ethel Barrymore, Paul Robeson, and Tallulah Bankhead.