Today In History
5 Fun Facts About August 11 In Connecticut History
1. In 1885, the first electric streetcar in Connecticut was activated in New Haven. This marked the beginning of a new era of transportation in the state. 2. On August 11, 1929, the Connecticut River flooded and caused widespread devastation throughout the state. The flood caused immense damage to homes,...
5 Fun Facts About August 5 In Connecticut History
1) On August 5, 1781, the Battle of Groton Heights took place in New London County during the American Revolutionary War. British troops, under the command of Benedict Arnold, attacked Fort Griswold and killed over 80 Americans. 2) August 5, 1872, marks the birth of Thomas J. Dodd, a Connecticut...
5 Fun Facts About August 4 In Connecticut History
1. On August 4, 1902, the Hartford Electric Light Company began constructing a new power plant in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. The plant would eventually provide electricity to Hartford and surrounding towns for many years. 2. August 4, 1934, marked the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Post Office...
5 Fun Facts About August 3 In Connecticut History
1. On August 3, 1955, Hurricane Connie made landfall in Connecticut, causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds, leading to flooding and power outages across the state. 2. In 1910, Connecticut became the first state in the country to pass a...
5 Fun Facts About August 1 In Connecticut History
1. In 1876, the first public zoo in the United States opened in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The "Connecticut Zoological Society" brought together a collection of animals to be cared for at Beardsley Park, and it was soon opened to the public. 2. On August 1, 1955, the Connecticut Turnpike officially opened,...
5 Fun Facts About July 31 In Connecticut History
1. In 1955, Governor Abraham Ribicoff signed a law that officially changed the name of the Connecticut State College to the University of Connecticut, in recognition of its growing size and importance as a university. 2. On July 31, 1996, two young men from Connecticut, Jared Leto and Shannon Leto,...
5 Fun Facts About July 29 In Connecticut History
1. On July 29, 1836, the Hartford and New Haven Railroad opened, becoming the first railroad line in Connecticut. Its first train was powered by a steam engine named the "DeWitt Clinton" and traveled between Hartford and New Haven. 2. In 1918, on July 29, the Connecticut State Guard was...
5 Fun Facts About July 28 In Connecticut History
1. In 1868, the Yale Corporation voted to open admission to women, making it one of the first universities in the United States to do so. 2. On July 28, 1751, the town of Norwalk was devastated by a massive fire that destroyed over 200 homes and businesses. It is...
5 Fun Facts About July 27 In Connecticut History
1. In 1847, the first ever YMCA in the United States was founded in Boston, Massachusetts. Although it was not founded in Connecticut, the YMCA had a significant impact on the state. The first branch in Connecticut opened in Hartford just three years later, in 1850. 2. In 1914, the...
5 Fun Facts About July 26 In Connecticut History
1. In 1775, residents of Danbury, Connecticut learned of a British plan to raid their supply depot. Led by General George Washington, American troops intercepted the British and engaged in the Battle of Ridgefield, resulting in a narrow victory for the Americans. 2. In 1873, the state's first commercial phonograph...
5 Fun Facts About July 25 In Connecticut History
1. In 1898, Connecticut native Frederick Law Olmsted passed away. Olmsted was a renowned landscape architect and urban planner who designed many famous parks including Central Park in New York City. 2. In 1902, Connecticut passed a law banning the use of any vehicle other than an automobile on any...
5 Fun Facts About July 24 In Connecticut History
1. On July 24, 1934, a massive fire broke out at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Hartford, Connecticut, killing 168 people and injuring over 700. It remains the deadliest circus fire in American history and led to increased safety regulations for public events. 2. In 1868,...