1. Rhode Island Ratifies the US Constitution (1790): July 12, 1790, is an important date in Rhode Island's history as it was the day the state ratified the United States Constitution, becoming the last state to do so. The Constitution had been in operation for nearly a year by then, and Rhode Island's reluctance to ratify had caused some disturbances in the country. With the ratification, Rhode Island became the 13th state to join the Union.

2. The Burning of the Gaspee (1772): The Gaspee was a British ship that patrolled Narragansett Bay, enforcing trade laws and capturing smugglers. On July 12, 1772, a group of colonists boarded the ship and set it on fire in an act of rebellion against British authority. The incident is considered to be one of the first acts of rebellion leading up to the American Revolution.

3. Theodore Francis Green Born (1867): July 12, 1867, was the birthdate of Theodore Francis Green, a prominent Rhode Island politician who served as the state's governor from 1933 to 1937 and then as a U.S. senator from 1937 until 1961. Green was known for his progressive policies, particularly his advocacy for labor rights and civil rights.

4. Bristol Fourth of July Parade (1785): The Bristol Fourth of July Parade is the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States. The parade was first held in 1785, and it has been a beloved tradition in Bristol ever since. The parade includes bands, floats, and other displays celebrating American patriotism.

5. Hurricane Bob Hits Rhode Island (1991): On July 12, 1991, Hurricane Bob made landfall in Rhode Island, causing significant damage across the state. The storm was a category 2 hurricane and brought high winds, heavy rains, and storm surges that flooded many coastal areas. Despite the damage caused by the storm, no fatalities were reported in Rhode Island.