Historical Events tagged with "connecticut"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Accidents & Tragedies

B-17 Flying Fortress Crashes After Takeoff

October 2nd, 2019 5 years ago

A Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Windsor Locks, Connecticut, during a living history exhibition flight. Seven people on board, including crew members and passengers, lost their lives. The aircraft experienced difficulties shortly after liftoff, leading to the accident. The B-17, a famous World War II bomber, was part of an event celebrating aviation history.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Incident

December 14th, 2012 12 years ago

On a quiet morning in Sandy Hook, Connecticut, a gunman entered Sandy Hook Elementary School and opened fire, killing twenty children and six adults before turning the weapon on himself. The shooter, Adam Lanza, had previously committed a violent act at his home, resulting in the death of his mother. The event shocked the nation and raised urgent discussions regarding gun control and mental health.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Los Macheteros Rob Wells Fargo Depot

September 12th, 1983 41 years ago

A group known as Los Macheteros orchestrated a bold robbery at a Wells Fargo depot in West Hartford, Connecticut, resulting in the theft of approximately $7 million. The operation involved carefully planned tactics that allowed the armed group to execute the heist efficiently. The incident drew significant media attention and raised concerns about security at financial institutions, highlighting vulnerabilities in bank operations.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

USS Nautilus Decommissioned After Historic Service

March 3rd, 1980 45 years ago

The USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear submarine, was officially decommissioned and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. Launched in 1954, this groundbreaking vessel pioneered the use of nuclear power in submarines and had a profound impact on naval warfare. It completed many significant missions, including the first submerged transpolar navigation in 1958. The decommissioning marked the end of an era for the Nautilus, which had transformed naval capabilities through its innovative design and technology.

Continue Reading
Sports & Recreation

Gordie Howe Scores 800th NHL Goal

February 29th, 1980 45 years ago

Gordie Howe reached a remarkable milestone by scoring his 800th goal, becoming the second player in NHL history to achieve this feat. Playing for the Hartford Whalers against the New York Rangers, Howe's historic goal solidified his status as one of the greatest forwards in hockey. This achievement not only marked a personal triumph but also elevated the profile of the Whalers in their early years in the NHL.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Devastating Nor'easter Strikes New England

February 6th, 1978 47 years ago

A powerful Nor'easter brought New England to a standstill in February, unleashing sustained winds of 65 miles per hour and relentless snowfall of four inches per hour. As communities faced whiteout conditions, transportation was severely disrupted and many residents were left stranded. The blizzard caused significant challenges for local authorities tasked with snow removal and rescue operations, while families stayed huddled indoors, trapped by the elements. The sheer magnitude of the storm made it one of the worst in the region's history, affecting daily life across multiple states.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Ella T. Grasso Becomes Connecticut's Governor

January 8th, 1975 50 years ago

Ella T. Grasso was inaugurated as Governor of Connecticut, making history by being the first woman to serve as a governor in the United States without succeeding her husband. Her victory represented a significant milestone in American politics, as she broke barriers for women in leadership. Grasso's election came at a time when the political landscape was shifting, and her leadership was seen as a symbol of progress in gender equality.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Allegheny Airlines Flight 485 Crash Details

June 7th, 1971 53 years ago

Allegheny Airlines Flight 485, a scheduled flight from Washington D.C. to New Haven, Connecticut, crashed while approaching Tweed New Haven Airport. The accident involved the aircraft descending through a thick fog when it struck an embankment less than a mile from the runway. Of the 31 passengers and crew on board, 28 perished in the crash.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Supreme Court Strikes Down Contraception Ban

June 7th, 1965 59 years ago

The Supreme Court ruled in Griswold v. Connecticut, declaring that married couples had a constitutional right to use contraception. The Court found that a Connecticut law prohibiting contraception violated the right to marital privacy, establishing a precedent for future privacy-related cases. This landmark decision emphasized the importance of personal rights in family planning and reproductive health.

Continue Reading