1. April 1, 1776: Rhode Island declares independence from Great Britain
On April 1, 1776, Rhode Island became the first of the 13 original colonies to declare independence from Great Britain. The declaration, written by Rhode Island's General Assembly, stated that the colony was a "free and independent state" and that all political ties with Great Britain were permanently severed.

2. April 1, 1875: Rhode Island Women’s Centennial Commission is formed
In 1875, a group of prominent Rhode Island women formed the Rhode Island Women’s Centennial Commission to plan celebrations for the nation’s 100th anniversary. The commission, which included women from various walks of life, was a major step forward for women’s rights and activism in the state.

3. April 1, 1930: Construction begins on the Pell Bridge
On April 1, 1930, construction began on the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge, which connects Jamestown to Newport across the Narragansett Bay. The bridge, which was completed in 1969, was named after Senator Claiborne Pell in 1992 and is now a major tourist attraction in the region.

4. April 1, 1967: Rhode Island becomes the first state to legalize abortion
On April 1, 1967, Rhode Island became the first state in the United States to legalize abortion. The law allowed for abortion in cases where the mother's life was in danger or where the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest. The law remained in effect until the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision in 1973.

5. April 1, 1991: Providence Bruins set AHL record for most wins in a season
On April 1, 1991, the Providence Bruins set an American Hockey League (AHL) record for most wins in a single season with their 57th victory. The record stood for 19 years until it was broken in 2010 by the Hershey Bears. The Providence Bruins remain a popular sports team in Rhode Island today.