1. On January 17, 1899, the Rhode Island state legislature voted to ratify the U.S. Constitution's 15th Amendment, which granted African American men the right to vote. Rhode Island was one of the first states to ratify the amendment after its proposal in 1869.

2. January 17, 1920, marked the beginning of Prohibition in the United States. Rhode Island was one of the first states to formally ratify the 18th Amendment, banning the sale, transportation, and production of alcohol. The state eventually became known for its bootlegging operations during the Prohibition era.

3. The Rhode Island State Building, located in the state capital of Providence, was dedicated on January 17, 1904. The building served as the state's government headquarters and housed the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor, and other state officials. It was destroyed in a fire in 1927 and replaced by a new building in 1932.

4. On January 17, 1971, the Providence Civic Center opened its doors for the first time. The arena, which has since been renamed the Dunkin' Donuts Center, has been the site of numerous concerts, sporting events, and other performances over the years.

5. January 17, 2007, marked the opening of the T.F. Green Airport InterLink in Warwick, Rhode Island. The transportation hub connects the airport with Amtrak and regional bus services, making travel to and from the airport more convenient for passengers.