1. In 1663, the Charter of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations was granted by King Charles II, which established Rhode Island as a separate colony with its own government.

2. On February 14, 1778, the Battle of Rhode Island took place, which was the first major battle to involve the French army and navy in the American Revolution. British forces were defeated, and this victory boosted morale for the Continental Army.

3. In 1842, the Dorr Rebellion began in Rhode Island, which was a conflict over the state's voting system and constitutional reform. The rebellion lasted until June 1842, and ultimately led to a new state constitution that expanded suffrage.

4. The iconic Newport Bridge, officially known as the Claiborne Pell Bridge, opened on February 14, 1969. This suspension bridge spans the East Passage of Narragansett Bay and connects Newport and Jamestown.

5. On February 14, 2003, Rhode Island was hit by a major winter storm, which brought heavy snow and gusty winds. The storm caused power outages and disrupted travel throughout the state, and it was one of the largest snowstorms in Rhode Island history.