1. In 1722, Rhode Island experienced a severe hurricane that caused significant damage to the state's coastal communities. The storm, known as the "Great Storm of 1722," resulted in over 100 deaths and destroyed many structures throughout the state.

2. On September 28, 1775, Rhode Island Governor Joseph Wanton issued a proclamation declaring the state's neutrality in the American Revolution. However, the following year, Rhode Island became the first state to officially declare its independence from Great Britain.

3. In 1958, the University of Rhode Island's Kingston Campus officially opened its doors. Today, the university is one of the state's largest institutions of higher education and is known for its strong programs in marine biology and oceanography.

4. On September 28, 2001, Rhode Island Senator Lincoln Chafee was one of only two Republicans to vote against the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists, which gave the president the authority to use military force against those responsible for the September 11 attacks.

5. In 2010, the historic Newport Mansions were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. The mansions, which were built during the Gilded Age, are a testament to the wealth and power of Rhode Island's industrial elite during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.