1. Rhode Island becomes a state: On June 24, 1776, Rhode Island officially became the 13th state to join the Union after becoming the first colony to declare independence from Great Britain on May 4 of the same year.

2. The Battle of Rhode Island: On June 24, 1778, during the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Rhode Island (also known as the Battle of Quaker Hill) took place in Newport. American and French forces fought against British troops, resulting in a Patriots victory that prevented a British attempt to regain control of the state.

3. The Industrial Revolution in Rhode Island: In the early 1800s, Rhode Island began to experience a boom in industrial production. On June 24, 1824, the first permanent power loom was installed in Woonsocket, sparking the growth of the textile industry in the state.

4. Women's Suffrage in Rhode Island: On June 24, 1914, Rhode Island became the ninth state to grant women the right to vote. The state passed the suffrage amendment just six years before the 19th Amendment was ratified, giving women the right to vote nationwide.

5. America's Cup in Rhode Island: On June 24, 1977, an iconic moment in Rhode Island maritime history occurred when the America's Cup boat race was held off the coast of Newport. It was the first time in over a century that the race was held in American waters, and the racing yacht "Courageous" emerged as the champion.