1. On May 9, 1755, the first fully ordained Baptist minister in the United States, Isaac Backus, was born in Connecticut. Backus was a champion of religious freedom and played a key role in the separation of church and state.

2. In 1765, the town of Greenwich, Connecticut was officially incorporated on May 9. Today, Greenwich is known for its affluent residents and picturesque coastline.

3. On May 9, 1786, Yale University graduated its first six medical students. Today, Yale School of Medicine is one of the top medical schools in the country.

4. In 1914, a fire destroyed the historic New Haven Armory on May 9. The armory, which had been built in 1908, housed the Connecticut National Guard's 102nd Infantry Regiment.

5. On May 9, 1983, Connecticut resident Ruth Oliver became the first person to receive a heart-lung transplant in New England. The surgery, which took place at Yale-New Haven Hospital, was a groundbreaking medical achievement at the time.