1. Rhode Island was the first colony to declare independence from Great Britain on June 12, 1776, two months before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

2. On June 12, 1790, Rhode Island became the last of the original thirteen colonies to ratify the United States Constitution.

3. The first official flag of Rhode Island was adopted on June 12, 1877. The flag features an anchor and thirteen stars representing the original thirteen colonies.

4. On June 12, 1907, Brown University became the first college in the United States to award degrees in engineering to women.

5. In 1975, the Rhode Island state legislature declared June 12 as "Rhode Island Independence Day," recognizing the state's early move toward independence and its unique place in American history.