1. In 1788, Connecticut became the fifth state to ratify the United States Constitution, helping to solidify the new nation's government.

2. On January 18, 1865, Connecticut Governor William A. Buckingham delivered his annual State of the State address, emphasizing the state's commitment to the Union in the midst of the Civil War.

3. In 1908, the first successful transatlantic radio transmission was made from the wireless station in Saybrook, Connecticut, to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

4. On January 18, 1955, the Connecticut State Police Academy opened in Meriden, training officers to serve and protect communities throughout the state.

5. In 1996, Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman was selected as the Democratic Party's nominee for Vice President, becoming the first Jewish candidate to run for national office on a major party ticket.