1. In 1674, the land that is now known as the city of Groton was purchased by Governor John Winthrop Jr. from the Niantic Indian tribe.

2. On May 27, 1813, Captain Francis G. Wisner of the Connecticut State Militia led a successful raid on the British ship HMS Curlew in Long Island Sound during the War of 1812.

3. In 1895, the Connecticut Governor's Foot Guard was officially recognized as a state militia unit by the Connecticut legislature. The Foot Guard was established in 1771 to protect the Connecticut Governor and became a ceremonial unit in 1861.

4. On May 27, 1962, astronaut and Connecticut native John Glenn made history as the first American to orbit the Earth aboard the Friendship 7 spacecraft.

5. The town of Winsted in Litchfield County was founded on May 27, 1771, making it one of the oldest settlements in the state. Winsted was originally known as "Winchester" and was renamed in the mid-1800s. Today, the town is known for its scenic location along the Mad River and for its historic downtown area.