1. In 1765, the British Parliament passed the Stamp Act, which mandated that all printed materials in the American colonies, including newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards, be produced on stamped paper bearing a revenue stamp. This law proved highly unpopular in Connecticut and other colonies, sparking protests and resistance that ultimately contributed to the American Revolution.

2. On March 22, 1867, the first state-sanctioned agricultural fair in the United States was held in Meriden, Connecticut. The event featured exhibits and competitions showcasing the best livestock, crops, and agricultural products from around the state, and was attended by tens of thousands of visitors.

3. In 1935, a devastating flood struck the Connecticut River Valley, causing extensive damage to homes, farms, and businesses in towns and cities throughout the region. The flood, which was caused by a combination of heavy rains and the failure of several dams, led to the deaths of dozens of people and displaced thousands more. The disaster helped to spur the construction of numerous flood-control projects in the decades that followed.

4. On March 22, 1965, civil rights activist James Baldwin spoke at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, advocating for greater racial equality and describing his experiences as a black man living in America. Baldwin's visit was part of a groundbreaking lecture series that brought prominent writers, artists, and activists to the Wesleyan campus in the 1960s and 1970s.

5. In 1997, a fire broke out in the State Office Building in Hartford, Connecticut, causing significant damage to the 12-story structure and forcing the evacuation of more than 4,000 people. Although there were no fatalities, the fire prompted an extensive investigation and led to the implementation of new safety measures in state buildings throughout Connecticut.