1. In 1953, Hurricane Carol struck Rhode Island on September 12, leading to widespread destruction and claiming the lives of 9 people. The storm left over 300,000 people without power and caused more than $100 million in damages to the state.
2. September 12, 2001 marked a solemn day in Rhode Island history as the state, along with the rest of the nation, mourned the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
3. In 2011, the Rhode Island International Film Festival honored director Gus Van Sant with a lifetime achievement award on September 12. Van Sant's films "Good Will Hunting" and "Milk" were screened as part of the festival program.
4. On September 12, 1786, the decision was made to construct a bridge over the Pawtuxet River in Cranston, Rhode Island. The bridge was completed in 1794 and still stands today as the oldest bridge in the state.
5. The Rhode Island State House was dedicated on September 12, 1904. The building, which took 11 years to construct, is the largest building in the state and serves as the seat of government for Rhode Island.