1. On April 27, 1636, Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, left Salem, Massachusetts and began his journey to seek religious freedom. He settled in what is now Providence and founded the colony of Rhode Island in 1638.

2. On April 27, 1775, Rhode Island's General Assembly voted to raise two regiments of troops to fight in the American Revolutionary War. This was the first time the colony officially committed troops to the war effort.

3. On April 27, 1936, the Rhode Island State House was officially dedicated. The building, which was designed by the renowned architect McKim, Mead, and White, took 12 years to complete.

4. On April 27, 1960, the Portuguese ocean liner Santa Maria arrived in Newport, Rhode Island on its first voyage to the United States. The ship was carrying 1,000 passengers and was greeted by cheering crowds.

5. On April 27, 2013, the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees played a game at Fenway Park in Boston to raise funds for the One Fund Boston, a charity set up to help victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. Both teams wore "Boston Strong" patches on their jerseys and the Red Sox won the game 7-4.