1. In 1639, the Fundamental Orders were adopted by the Connecticut Colony, making it one of the first written constitutions in America. This document established the framework for government in Connecticut and was later used as a model for the United States Constitution.

2. On January 14, 1784, The Connecticut Courant, now known as The Hartford Courant, was first published in Hartford. It is the oldest continuously published newspaper in the United States.

3. In 1841, businessman and philanthropist George David Watrous was born in New Haven. Watrous went on to co-found the Watrous Manufacturing Company, which produced household items such as lamps and clocks. He also donated large sums of money to various non-profit organizations in Connecticut.

4. On January 14, 1969, the headquarters of the Black Panther Party in New Haven was raided by the FBI and local police. Several members of the party, including chairman Bobby Seale, were arrested and charged with conspiracy to murder a police officer. The case, known as the "New Haven Nine," received national attention and sparked debate about the government's role in monitoring political organizations.

5. In 2013, Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy signed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in the state. Connecticut had previously legalized civil unions in 2005, but this new law granted same-sex couples full marriage rights. The state was the 17th in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage.