1. On February 17, 1864, the first African American regiment from Connecticut, the 29th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, was mustered in for service during the Civil War. The regiment served in many battles and engagements, including the Battle of Olustee in Florida.

2. In 1904, on February 17, Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company was founded. The company is still headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, and provides equipment breakdown insurance, inspection services, and engineering consulting.

3. On February 17, 1970, the Hartford Civic Center opened its doors for the first time, hosting a game between the Hartford Whalers and the Quebec Nordiques. The Civic Center was designed by Marcel Breuer and served as a venue for concerts, sports events, and other shows until it was replaced by the XL Center in 2007.

4. Two Connecticut towns, Durham and Middlefield, are known for their annual celebration of "Durham Fair Day," which takes place on the third Saturday in September. The tradition began on February 17, 1856, when the Middlesex Agricultural Society was formed to promote agriculture and support local farmers.

5. On February 17, 1876, William Cooley patented a "sharpening attachment for plows," which was later manufactured by the Brinly-Hardy Company of Jeffersonville, Indiana. The attachment was designed to keep plow blades sharp while in use, improving efficiency and reducing the need for frequent blade replacements.