1. In 1775, a large British warship, the HMS Rose, arrived in Newport, Rhode Island. The ship played a significant role during the American Revolutionary War and was later captured by American forces.

2. On October 18, 1917, the Rhode Island Red became the official state bird of Rhode Island. This bird is known for its hardiness, versatility, and excellent quality meat and eggs.

3. In 1972, Rhode Island's first television station, WJAR-TV, began broadcasting from Providence. The station has since become one of the top-rated local news sources in the state.

4. On October 18, 1982, Rhode Island native John F. Kennedy Jr. passed the New York bar exam, becoming a licensed attorney. Kennedy went on to have a successful career as a lawyer before his tragic death in 1999.

5. Finally, in 2018, a new $157 million pedestrian bridge was opened in Providence, connecting the city's East Side with downtown. The iconic bridge, known as the Providence River Pedestrian Bridge, features a unique design and has quickly become a popular tourist attraction in the city.