1. On January 26, 1784, Rhode Island became the last of the original 13 colonies to ratify the United States Constitution. It was a controversial decision that divided the small state's citizens, with many fearing that the new federal government would encroach on states' rights.

2. In 1933, on January 26, the historic Rhode Island State House was dedicated. The impressive building, designed by architect McKim, Mead, and White, boasts 327,000 square feet of floor space and an iconic marble dome that can be seen from miles around.

3. January 26, 1967 marked a turning point in Rhode Island's history of civil rights activism. After years of protests and marches, the state finally passed a law prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, and national origin in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

4. On January 26, 1986, Rhode Island suffered one of the worst natural disasters in its history when a blizzard dumped over two feet of snow on the state, causing widespread power outages and stranding thousands of motorists on impassable roads.

5. In 2019, January 26 was marked by controversy as the state's official holiday recognizing the birthday of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. coincided with the federally recognized holiday honoring Confederate general Robert E. Lee. Many Rhode Islanders called for the latter holiday to be abolished, but it remains on the books to this day.