1. On September 18, 1639, the Fundamental Orders were adopted by a group of Connecticut settlers. These orders served as the basis for Connecticut's government, representing one of the earliest examples of a written constitution in the world.

2. In 1760, Yale University was founded in New Haven, Connecticut. It is one of the oldest universities in the United States and has produced numerous notable alumni, including five U.S. presidents.

3. On September 18, 1787, the United States Constitution was signed in Philadelphia by delegates, including Oliver Ellsworth, a prominent Connecticut lawyer and statesman who played a key role in its drafting.

4. In 1895, the first gasoline-powered automobile race in the United States was held in Branford, Connecticut. The race covered a distance of 72 miles and was won by the Duryea Brothers.

5. On September 18, 2012, the University of Connecticut was named one of the Top 20 Public Colleges in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. The university is known for its strong academic programs, including its renowned School of Engineering and competitive athletic teams.