1. In 1775, the British ship HMS Gaspee was burned by American colonists in Narragansett Bay, off the coast of Providence. This event is considered one of the earliest acts of colonial rebellion against British rule and helped spark the American Revolution.

2. In 1849, Providence Mayor Thomas Dorr led an unsuccessful attempt to establish a new, more democratic state government in Rhode Island. Known as the Dorr Rebellion, it highlighted the tensions between the wealthy elites who controlled the state government and the working-class citizens who were excluded from the political process.

3. In 1928, Rhode Island Governor Norman S. Case signed a law recognizing Columbus Day as an official state holiday. The holiday commemorates Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas in 1492 and is observed on the second Monday in October.

4. In 1961, the American Nuclear Society held its annual meeting in Providence. The conference was a significant event in the history of nuclear power in America and brought together scientists and engineers from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in nuclear technology.

5. In 2019, the Providence Preservation Society held its annual Festival of Historic Houses, showcasing some of the city's most beautiful and historic homes. Visitors were able to tour the houses and learn about their architecture, design, and history, providing a unique glimpse into Rhode Island's past.