1. Rhode Island Became an Independent State – February 28, 1784 marks the day Rhode Island officially became an independent state when it ratified the Treaty of Paris that recognized the independence of the United States.

2. First Ferry Service – On February 28, 1728, the first ferry service in America was established in Rhode Island. The ferry service was between Newport and Jamestown.

3. The Oldest Baptist Church in America – The First Baptist Church in America was founded in Providence, Rhode Island on February 28, 1638, by Roger Williams. This church is the oldest Baptist church in America and played a significant role in Rhode Island's history.

4. First African American to Graduated from Brown University – In Rhode Island, February 28, 1877, marked an important day as Edward Mitchell Bannister became the first African American to graduate from Brown University.

5. The Nuclear Submarine was Commissioned – On February 28, 1957, the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, was commissioned at Newport, Rhode Island. This submarine was the first to complete a submerged journey beneath the North Pole.