1. In 1776, Rhode Island became the first colony to officially declare independence from Great Britain. The declaration was made during a meeting of the colony's General Assembly in Providence and was based on a resolution that had been passed by the Continental Congress the previous year.

2. On January 29, 1845, the United States Senate voted to admit Florida as the 27th state. While Florida is not in Rhode Island, the decision had significant implications for the country as a whole, as it increased the number of slave states in the Union and contributed to tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War.

3. In 1912, the Rhode Island State Council of Defense was established to coordinate the state's efforts during World War I. The council played an important role in recruiting soldiers, conserving resources, and promoting patriotism, and helped to lay the groundwork for the state's continued military and economic growth during the 20th century.

4. January 29, 1970, marked the opening of the Providence Civic Center, a multi-purpose arena that has hosted a wide range of events over the years, including concerts, sporting events, and political rallies. The civic center continues to be a popular destination today, and has undergone several renovations and upgrades to keep pace with changing needs and technologies.

5. On January 29, 2009, Governor Donald Carcieri signed a bill establishing a state holiday in honor of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Rhode Island had been one of the last states in the country to make King's birthday a holiday, and the decision was seen as an important step forward in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of African Americans to the state and the country as a whole.