1. On August 16, 1778, the Battle of Rhode Island took place during the Revolutionary War. It was the first time that French and American forces fought side by side against the British, and although the Americans were ultimately forced to retreat, it was seen as a strategic victory.

2. Rhode Island became the 13th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on August 16, 1790, officially joining the new federal government. However, it was also one of the last states to do so, as it was initially reluctant to give up its sovereignty.

3. In 1905, the first automobile race was held in Rhode Island, taking place on a track in Narragansett. The race was won by Louis Chevrolet, who would later become famous as the founder of the Chevrolet car company.

4. August 16, 1956 saw the opening of the Newport Jazz Festival, one of the most famous and long-running music festivals in the world. Over the years, it has featured performances by some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, including Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington.

5. On August 16, 1960, John F. Kennedy visited Rhode Island as part of his presidential campaign. He made several stops in the state, including a speech at the Rhode Island State House in Providence, where he emphasized the importance of education and civil rights. Kennedy went on to win the election later that year.