1. On October 19, 1864, the first Battle of Cedar Creek took place during the American Civil War. Rhode Island soldiers were present and played a significant role in the Union victory.

2. On October 19, 1889, the Rhode Island state board of education approved the establishment of a state normal school in Providence, which would later become Rhode Island College.

3. October 19, 1916, saw the birth of former Rhode Island Governor J. Joseph Garrahy. Garrahy served as governor from 1977 to 1985 and was known for his commitment to education and economic development.

4. On October 19, 1995, the USS Saratoga was decommissioned and returned to Newport, Rhode Island to become a museum ship. The Saratoga had a long and distinguished career, serving in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm.

5. October 19, 2007, marked the opening of the Providence Place Mall expansion, which added over 600,000 square feet of space to the existing mall. The expansion included a new cinema, restaurants, and additional shopping options.