1. The Battle of Rhode Island took place on August 30, 1778, during the American Revolutionary War. The battle was fought between the British forces under the command of General Sir Robert Pigot and the Continental Army led by Major General Nathanael Greene. The battle ended in a stalemate, but it was a strategic victory for the Americans as the British were prevented from occupying Newport.

2. On August 30, 1790, Rhode Island became the 13th state to ratify the United States Constitution. Rhode Island was the last of the 13 original colonies to join the Union, and it did so only after being threatened with economic sanctions by the federal government.

3. The first-ever circus in Rhode Island was held on August 30, 1816, in the town of Bristol. The circus was organized by a man named Jacob Brown, who brought in performers from all over the world to entertain the crowds. The event was a huge success, and it established Bristol as a popular destination for circus performers and audiences.

4. On August 30, 1935, Hurricane Diane struck Rhode Island and caused widespread devastation. The Category 1 hurricane brought heavy rainfall and flooding to the state, resulting in the deaths of 15 people and causing over $115 million in damages (adjusted for inflation). The hurricane was one of the worst natural disasters in Rhode Island's history.

5. On August 30, 1975, the Providence Civic Center (now known as the Dunkin' Donuts Center) opened its doors for the first time. The arena was built to host sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment events and quickly became a popular venue for both local and national acts. Over the years, the arena has hosted numerous high-profile events, including NCAA basketball tournaments, WWE wrestling events, and concerts by top artists like Bruce Springsteen and U2.