1. On April 14, 1638, Roger Williams settled the town of Providence, Rhode Island. He had been banished from Massachusetts Bay Colony for his religious beliefs and founded the colony of Rhode Island based on principles of religious tolerance and separation of church and state.

2. On April 14, 1775, Rhode Island established its first independent government. Prior to this, the colony had been governed by the British-appointed governor and council. The new government consisted of a General Assembly and a governor elected annually by the people.

3. The first submarine attack in history occurred on April 14, 1777, during the American Revolution. The submarine, called the Turtle, was designed by Rhode Island native David Bushnell and was used to attempt to attach explosives to the hull of a British ship in New York Harbor.

4. On April 14, 1836, the Rhode Island Historical Society was founded. The society is dedicated to preserving and sharing Rhode Island's history and operates museums, libraries, and archives throughout the state.

5. On April 14, 1894, Edward Mitchell Bannister became the first African-American artist to win a major prize at the National Academy of Design in New York City. Bannister was born in Canada and lived in Providence, Rhode Island, where he painted landscapes and portraits. Today, his work is featured in museums and galleries throughout the country.