1. On September 1, 1868, the Rhode Island state flag was officially adopted. The flag features a gold anchor surrounded by thirteen stars on a white field, symbolizing Rhode Island's status as one of the original thirteen colonies and its proud maritime heritage.

2. On September 1, 1955, the Newport Jazz Festival was held for the first time. The festival quickly became one of the most important events in the jazz world, attracting legendary performers like Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and Duke Ellington.

3. September 1, 1939, marked the beginning of World War II. Though Rhode Island was not directly involved in many of the major battles of the war, the state played an important role in the war effort, with many local industries producing goods for the war effort.

4. On September 1, 1835, the Providence and Worcester Railroad opened for service. This line, which connected Providence with Worcester, Massachusetts, was one of the earliest railroads in the United States and played a key role in the development of Rhode Island's economy.

5. September 1, 1885, saw the birth of James J. Howard, a Congressman from Rhode Island who served in the House of Representatives from 1965 to 1989. Howard was known for his work on environmental issues and was instrumental in the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972.