1. On June 3, 1665, Rhode Island became the first colony to pass a law prohibiting slavery.
2. The Battle of Rhode Island during the American Revolution began on June 3, 1778. British forces landed on Aquidneck Island, but ultimately withdrew after a failed attempt to capture the city of Newport.
3. On June 3, 1937, the Newport Bridge, now known as the Claiborne Pell Bridge, opened over Narragansett Bay. At the time, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.
4. The Rhode Island Special Olympics was held on June 3, 1972, marking the first time the event was held in the state.
5. On June 3, 2004, a 34-year-old man from Rhode Island named James Montgomery was convicted of hacking into computer systems belonging to major corporations, causing millions of dollars in damages. He was sentenced to prison for five years.