August 18 is an important date in Rhode Island history, with a number of significant events having taken place on this day over the years. Here are five interesting facts about August 18 in Rhode Island history:

1. The First Providence Water Supply was Established: On August 18, 1867, the first water pipes were laid under the streets of Providence, marking the beginning of the city's water supply system. Prior to this, residents had relied on wells and other sources of water that were often contaminated and unhealthy.

2. Roger Williams Settled in Providence: August 18, 1636, is the date on which Roger Williams first settled in Providence, which he named after "God's merciful providence." Williams was a religious dissenter who had been expelled from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and he went on to found the colony of Rhode Island.

3. Rhode Island's First Governor Was Elected: On August 18, 1640, William Coddington was elected as the first governor of the colony of Rhode Island. Coddington had previously served as a judge in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, but he moved to Rhode Island in search of greater religious freedom.

4. The First Meeting of the Rhode Island General Assembly Took Place: On August 18, 1664, the first meeting of the Rhode Island General Assembly took place in Newport. This marked the beginning of the state's legislative history, which continues to this day.

5. The First Bridge Across the Providence River Opened: On August 18, 1793, the first bridge across the Providence River opened to the public. The bridge, which was a wooden structure, connected the east and west sides of the city for the first time and was an important step in the growth and development of Providence.