1. In 1799, the Rhode Island legislature passed an act prohibiting the importation of slaves into the state. This was part of a broader trend in the Northern states towards abolitionism, and reflected the growing sentiment against the institution of slavery in the country.

2. On March 29, 1864, the Battleship Rhode Island was commissioned into service with the United States Navy. The ship saw action in both World War I and World War II, and was finally scrapped in the 1950s.

3. The Rhode Island State House, one of the most iconic landmarks in the state, was opened on March 29, 1904. The building, which is the seat of government in Rhode Island, is noted for its dome, which is the fourth largest self-supported marble dome in the world.

4. On March 29, 1967, Rhode Island became the first state in the country to pass a law legalizing abortion in certain circumstances. The statute allowed for abortions to be performed in cases where the life of the mother was at risk, or in cases of rape or incest.

5. In 1989, the Rhode Island Lottery launched its first instant ticket, called "Bunny Bucks". The game was an immediate success, and helped to cement the lottery's position as a major source of revenue for the state government. Today, the Rhode Island Lottery offers a wide variety of games, including traditional draw games, scratch tickets, and video lottery terminals.