1. Gaspee Affair: In 1772, the HMS Gaspee, a British customs ship, was burned and scuttled in Narragansett Bay by American colonial patriots. This event led to the formation of the Committees of Correspondence, one of the first steps towards the American Revolution.
2. Dorr Rebellion: In 1842, Rhode Island saw the Dorr Rebellion, a conflict between suffrage activists and the state government over who had the right to vote. Suffrage activist Thomas Dorr led a failed attempt at a new state constitution that would have allowed all white men to vote. As a result, Rhode Island was forced to adopt a new constitution and Thomas Dorr was convicted of treason.
3. First Jewish Governor: On April 15, 1939, Theodore Francis Green was inaugurated as the governor of Rhode Island. He was not only the state's longest-serving governor but also the first Jewish governor in U.S. history.
4. World War II Casualties: During World War II, Rhode Island saw its fair share of casualties. On April 15, 1945, Sgt. Louis E. Dewey of Pawtucket was killed in action in Germany. He was one of the many Rhode Islanders who gave their lives for our country in the fight against fascism.
5. Proclamation Day: April 15, 1663, was the date when Rhode Island's Royal Charter was granted by King Charles II. This document granted Roger Williams and his followers the right to establish a colony in Rhode Island that was separate from Massachusetts. This day is celebrated as "Proclamation Day" in Rhode Island history.
5 Fun Facts About April 15 In Rhode Island History
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