1. In 1733, the first public library in the United States was established in Durham, Connecticut. Known as the Durham Library, it was founded by Rev. Thomas Bray.

2. In 1825, the Erie Canal was completed which connected the Hudson River to Lake Erie. Connecticut was an important state for the construction of the canal due to its abundant supply of granite for construction purposes.

3. In 1861, during the American Civil War, Connecticut Governor William Buckingham issued a proclamation that called for the state to raise two regiments of volunteers to assist in the Union Army's efforts. Connecticut was one of the few states in the Union that supplied more soldiers than was required by President Abraham Lincoln's call for troops.

4. In 1915, the first transatlantic telephone conversation took place between New York City and Paris, France. The call was made by A.G. Bell, inventor of the telephone, and Charles Sumner Tainter, an engineer and inventor from Connecticut.

5. In 1986, the first section of Interstate 84 in Connecticut was opened. This highway runs east-west through the state, connecting Danbury to Union. The completion of I-84 significantly improved transportation and helped to boost the state's economy.