1. In 1779, the Battle of Rhode Island began. British forces under Sir Henry Clinton marched to Newport to regain control of the city, but American forces led by General John Sullivan were able to hold them off and push them back.

2. In 1923, the first-ever Narragansett Bay swim was held. A total of 85 swimmers competed in the 12-mile race, which started in Newport and ended in Providence. The winner was 29-year-old James Duffy of New York City, who finished in just over four hours.

3. In 1958, Providence hosted the very first All-American Soap Box Derby. Over 40,000 spectators watched as 130 drivers aged 11 to 15 raced down Hope Street, vying for a chance to compete in the national championships in Akron, Ohio.

4. In 1992, Rhode Island became the first state in the US to offer medical marijuana. The law allowed patients with certain qualifying conditions to grow and use cannabis for medicinal purposes, with a doctor's prescription.

5. In 2019, the US Women's Open golf tournament was held at the Country Club of Rhode Island. South Korean golfer Lee Jeong-eun emerged as the winner, shooting a final round 70 to finish at 6-under par and claim her first major title.