1. In 1865, Connecticut was the first state to ratify the 13th amendment, which abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, making it official on December 6th of that year.

2. On June 19, 1934, the state of Connecticut celebrated the 300th anniversary of its founding. A year-long celebration marked the occasion, which included parades, pageants, and other festivities.

3. In 1957, Connecticut became the first state to pass a law requiring seat belts in all new cars. This legislation played a key role in increasing safety on the state's roads, and it helped pave the way for similar regulations in other states.

4. On June 19, 1987, the iconic band U2 performed at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New Haven, Connecticut as part of their Joshua Tree tour. The concert was a major event in the state's cultural history, and it helped cement U2's status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

5. In 2017, Connecticut became the first state to pass a law guaranteeing paid family and medical leave for all workers. The legislation allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid time off to care for a newborn child, a sick family member, or themselves. The law went into effect in 2021, making Connecticut a leader in worker-friendly policies.