1. April 1, 1815: The Connecticut Courant, a now-defunct newspaper, published a hoax article claiming that a man had flown a hot air balloon from New York City to Connecticut. The story was completely fabricated, but it became a sensation and was widely believed for a time.

2. April 1, 1876: The first telephone exchange in Connecticut opened in New Haven. The Southern New England Telephone Company had just 17 customers at the time, but the technology quickly caught on and transformed communication in the state.

3. April 1, 1929: The Connecticut State College of Agriculture (now UConn) officially became a university, offering a wider range of degrees and programs. Today, UConn is one of the most respected universities in the country.

4. April 1, 1949: The opening of the Connecticut Turnpike revolutionized travel in the state, allowing drivers to bypass congested city streets and get to their destinations more quickly. Initially, the toll was just 25 cents, but it has increased significantly over the years.

5. April 1, 1971: The Connecticut chapter of the Black Panthers was founded in New Haven, becoming a force for social change and activism throughout the state. The organization worked to combat racism, poverty, and police brutality, and its legacy continues to this day.