1. In 1779, during the American Revolution, the British captured Newport, Rhode Island, which at the time was the largest city in the state. The British held the city until 1783, when they finally withdrew after the Treaty of Paris was signed.

2. In 1847, the first train from Providence to Boston took place. The railroad, known as the Providence and Worcester Railroad, was the first direct link between the two cities and was a major development for transportation in the region.

3. In 1939, the Hurricane of 1938 hit Rhode Island, causing massive destruction and loss of life. The hurricane was one of the most devastating ever to hit New England, and many communities in Rhode Island were completely destroyed.

4. In 1978, the Providence Civic Center (now known as the Dunkin' Donuts Center) opened in downtown Providence. The arena has played host to many major events over the years, including concerts, sporting events, and political conventions.

5. In 2008, Rhode Island became the first state in the United States to offer free, universal pre-kindergarten education to all four-year-olds. The program has been a major success, with over 70% of eligible children participating in the program in its first year.