1. In 1779, French forces led by Comte de Rochambeau arrived in Newport, Rhode Island to aid the American Revolution. Their arrival marked a turning point in the war and helped secure American independence.

2. On September 23, 1846, the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) was founded in Providence. Today, RISD is regarded as one of the top art and design schools in the country.

3. In 1875, Newport hosted the first United States Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA) tournament. This event marked the beginning of an American tennis tradition that continues to this day, with the US Open being held annually in New York.

4. On September 23, 1904, the first international polo match ever played in the United States was held in Newport. The match featured teams from England and the United States and was played at the Newport Casino.

5. In 1937, the Hurricane of '38 struck Rhode Island, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The storm remains one of the most destructive natural disasters in Rhode Island history, and its effects can still be seen in the state today.