1. In 1661, Hartford, Connecticut was officially recognized as the capital city of the colony of Connecticut. The General Court passed this decree on July 5th of that year, cementing the city’s place in Connecticut history.

2. On July 5th, 1779, American forces led by General Anthony Wayne successfully stormed and captured the British-held fortress at Stony Point, New York, just across the Connecticut border. This important battle dealt a significant blow to British morale during the Revolutionary War, and helped pave the way for American victory.

3. In 1837, the Hartford and New Haven Railroad opened its first section of track between Hartford and Windsor Locks, Connecticut. This railroad would go on to become a crucial transportation link between the Connecticut River Valley and major cities like Boston and New York.

4. On July 5th, 1854, the first train arrived in New Haven on the newly completed New Haven and Northampton Railroad. This new railway provided a faster and more direct link between New Haven, Connecticut and Northampton, Massachusetts than previously existed.

5. In 1996, the New England Blizzard women’s professional basketball team played their first-ever game at the Hartford Civic Center on July 5th. Though the team only existed for three seasons, they brought professional women’s basketball to Connecticut, and left a lasting impact on the sport.