1. In 1788, Connecticut became the fifth state to ratify the United States Constitution, affirming their support for the new federal government.

2. On January 9, 1817, famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass was born in Talbot County, Maryland. Douglass later moved to Connecticut and gave speeches throughout the state, urging citizens to support the abolitionist movement.

3. In 1861, the Connecticut State Legislature authorized the formation of the 8th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Regiment to fight in the Civil War. The 8th Connecticut played a key role in several major battles, including Antietam and Fredericksburg.

4. On January 9, 1922, the Hartford Whalers ice hockey team was founded. The Whalers played in the National Hockey League from 1979 until 1997, when the team was relocated to North Carolina.

5. In 2015, Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy announced plans to eliminate prison time for possession of small amounts of marijuana. The new policy, which went into effect in 2017, allows individuals caught with less than half an ounce of marijuana to receive a $150 fine rather than facing potential jail time.