1. In 1764, the town of Scituate was incorporated in Rhode Island. It was named after the town of Scituate, Massachusetts.

2. In 1861, the Naval Academy Preparatory School was established at the U.S. Naval Station in Newport. It was originally called the Naval Academy Annex and later became the Naval War College.

3. In 1975, Providence College hosted the "fight of the century" between heavyweight boxers Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Ali won the bout, which was broadcast on closed-circuit television to millions around the world.

4. In 2003, the Rhode Island Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples are not entitled to marry under state law. The decision sparked controversy and debate across the state and the nation.

5. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy struck Rhode Island, causing widespread damage and power outages. The storm was one of the most destructive and expensive in the state's history.