1. On August 17, 1780, British forces under the command of Major General William Tryon attacked the town of New London, Connecticut. The attack resulted in the burning of approximately 143 homes and public buildings, causing significant damage to the town.

2. In 1843, the Hartford and New Haven Railroad opened its first line, which ran between the two cities. This marked an important milestone in transportation history, as the line became one of the first in the United States to operate on a regular schedule.

3. On August 17, 1945, the Navy submarine USS Torsk returned to its home port in New London after completing a successful war patrol in the Pacific during World War II. The submarine was credited with sinking six Japanese vessels during the war.

4. In 1970, the Connecticut River flooded due to heavy rainfalls from Hurricane Camille. The towns of East Haddam, Haddam, and Salem were particularly hard-hit, with hundreds of homes and businesses being damaged or destroyed.

5. On August 17, 1980, the town of Stonington, Connecticut celebrated the 350th anniversary of its founding. Stonington was established in 1639, and has a rich history dating back to the earliest days of European settlement in the region. Today, it is known for its charming downtown area, historic homes, and beautiful waterfront.