1. In 1790, Rhode Island became the 13th state to ratify the United States Constitution, which had been drafted three years earlier. The state's ratification was significant in securing the document's adoption and formalizing the federal government.

2. On December 28, 1832, a devastating fire ravaged downtown Providence, destroying numerous buildings and leaving hundreds homeless. The fire's cause was never determined, but it led to improved firefighting practices and building codes in the city.

3. In 1872, the Rhode Island Hospital School of Nursing was established, becoming the first nursing school in the state. The program was designed to provide training and education for women seeking to become nurses, and has since expanded to include men and other healthcare professions.

4. On December 28, 1918, the Providence Steam Roller defeated the Buffalo All-Americans 17-0 to win the National Football League championship. It was the franchise's first and only championship, and the victory helped cement Providence's place as a major football city in the early days of the NFL.

5. In 1973, Rhode Island became the first state to enact a law guaranteeing access to medical care for all residents. The law, known as the Rhode Island Health Security Act, was a precursor to the national Affordable Care Act and helped provide access to healthcare services for thousands of Rhode Islanders.