1. In 1852, the Rhode Island State Legislature passed an act prohibiting the sale of liquor on Sundays, making it the first state to enact such a law.

2. On April 4, 1901, the Rhode Island State Capitol building was formally dedicated. The building, designed by McKim, Mead, and White, features a distinctive dome and is known for its impressive interior decoration.

3. In 1932, the Rhode Island Department of Health established the first state-run medical examiner system in the country. The system aimed to improve the accuracy and consistency of death investigations.

4. On April 4, 1975, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed the first law in the nation decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana. The law reduced penalties for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana from a felony to a civil infraction.

5. In 2003, Rhode Island became the first state in the nation to enact a comprehensive smoke-free workplace law. The law banned smoking in all indoor public places, including restaurants and bars.