1. In 1783, Connecticut became the first state to pass a law prohibiting the trade and purchase of slaves. This was a significant step towards ending slavery in the state.

2. On March 27, 1915, the USS Connecticut was launched in Groton. This battleship was one of the most powerful vessels of its time and served in both World War I and World War II.

3. In 1947, the Mark Twain Memorial was dedicated in Hartford. The memorial was built in honor of the famous author who lived in Hartford from 1874 to 1891.

4. On March 27, 1968, the Connecticut Turnpike officially opened to the public. This highway connected the major cities of Connecticut and helped to improve transportation in the state.

5. In 1999, the Connecticut Huskies won their first NCAA basketball championship. The Huskies defeated the Duke Blue Devils to win the title and cemented their place as one of the top college basketball programs in the country.