1. In 1854, the Rhode Island State Normal School, now known as Rhode Island College, was founded in Providence. It was the first public institution of higher education in the state.

2. In 1936, the Newport Bridge, which spans the East Passage of Narragansett Bay, opened to traffic. It was the longest suspension bridge in New England at the time and remains an iconic symbol of Rhode Island today.

3. In 1987, the Providence Bruins hockey team played their first game at the Providence Civic Center. The team has since become a beloved institution in the state and has produced several NHL players.

4. In 2003, the USS Providence, a Los Angeles-class submarine, was commissioned in Groton, Connecticut. The submarine is named after the capital city of Rhode Island and has been on several important missions around the world.

5. In 2015, Providence was named the "Coolest City in America" by GQ magazine. The city was praised for its thriving arts scene, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife.