1. On September 20, 1630, the first permanent settlement in Rhode Island was established by Roger Williams and a group of settlers. They named the settlement Providence, which served as a haven for those seeking religious freedom.

2. In 1775, the Continental Army under the command of General George Washington arrived in Rhode Island on September 20 to begin preparations for the Revolutionary War. They established a garrison at Fort Adams in Newport.

3. On September 20, 1790, Rhode Island became the last state to ratify the United States Constitution, almost three years after it was initially adopted. The delay was due to concerns over state sovereignty and individual rights.

4. The first bank in Rhode Island, the Bank of Rhode Island, was established on September 20, 1799. It was the second bank to be established in the United States and played a significant role in the state's economic development.

5. On September 20, 1957, Hurricane Gracie made landfall in Rhode Island, causing significant damage and widespread flooding. The storm resulted in 14 fatalities and over $50 million in damages, making it one of the most destructive hurricanes in the state's history.