1. In 1813, the USS Chesapeake was captured by the British off the coast of Rhode Island. This event is known as the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair and was a contributing factor to the start of the War of 1812.

2. August 4, 1862, marked the creation of Rhode Island's official state seal. The seal features an anchor and the word "Hope," which was a symbol of the state's early religious settlers.

3. On August 4, 1978, Providence became the last state capital in the United States to finally get its own daily newspaper, The Providence Journal-Bulletin. Before this, the city had relied on newspapers from nearby Boston and New York.

4. The Rhode Island State House, located in Providence, was dedicated on August 4, 1904. The building is known for its impressive dome and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

5. August 4, 1997, marked one of the worst fire disasters in Rhode Island history when a fire broke out at a nightclub called The Station. The fire claimed the lives of 100 people and injured another 230. The tragedy prompted increased attention to fire safety regulations in public venues.