1. In 1636, Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, arrived in Boston from England. Williams later settled in Providence, Rhode Island, where he established the first Baptist church in America.

2. On October 3, 1777, Rhode Island Governor Nicholas Cooke held a special session of the General Assembly in response to the British capture of Newport. The Assembly authorized the raising of troops to protect the state.

3. In 1843, the New York and Providence Railroad was established, connecting Rhode Island to the rest of the country by rail. This helped expand the state's economy and allowed for easier transportation of goods and people.

4. On October 3, 1906, the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art opened its doors to the public. The museum is home to more than 100,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years of history.

5. In 1951, the Newport Jazz Festival was founded by jazz impresario George Wein. The festival has become one of the most famous jazz events in the world and has featured performances by some of the biggest names in jazz history, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Miles Davis.