1. On January 4, 1776, the Rhode Island General Assembly authorized the raising of troops to join the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War. Rhode Island played a crucial role in the fight for independence, with more than 5,000 men serving in the military during the war.

2. In 1901, the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) held its first official classes on January 4. Founded in 1877, RISD is one of the leading art and design schools in the country, with a diverse student body and a reputation for excellence in creative fields.

3. On January 4, 1933, the Rhode Island State House was inaugurated. The building, which took over a decade to construct, is the largest self-supporting marble dome in the world and is an iconic landmark in Providence.

4. January 4, 1957, marked the opening of the Newport Bridge, which spans the East Passage of Narragansett Bay and provides a vital link between Newport and Jamestown. The bridge is considered a marvel of engineering, with a main span of over a mile and a half.

5. On January 4, 1983, the historic Rhode Island State House was designated a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1895, the building is an important example of Renaissance Revival architecture and houses the offices of the governor and other state officials.