1. On December 3, 1636, Founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams, arrived in the colony with a small group of followers. Williams had been banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony due to his radical beliefs and was granted land in what is now Providence, Rhode Island by the Narragansett people.

2. December 3, 1776, marked the Battle of Rhode Island during the American Revolution. British troops had occupied Newport, Rhode Island and American forces tried to reclaim the city. Despite a failed attempt, the Continental Army was able to hold off the British and prevent further invasion of the colonies.

3. December 3, 1835, saw the opening of the first railroad line in Rhode Island. The Providence and Worcester Railroad connected the two cities and was a major milestone for transportation in the state.

4. December 3, 1912, marked the first showing of a motion picture theater in Rhode Island. The Strand Theater in Providence, Rhode Island opened its doors to show the silent film "When Knighthood Was in Flower." The theater quickly became a popular destination for movie-goers and remained open for over 80 years.

5. On December 3, 1990, the Rhode Island Supreme Court declared the state's anti-sodomy law unconstitutional. The decision was a major step towards LGBTQ rights in Rhode Island and paved the way for further progress in the state.