1. Rhode Island became a state: September 4 marks an important day in Rhode Island's history, as it was on this day in 1790 that the state was officially admitted into the United States as the 13th state. This followed a period of debate and negotiation, as Rhode Island had initially resisted joining the new union.

2. First public library established: In 1875, the Providence Public Library was founded on September 4, becoming Rhode Island's first public library. The library was established with the support of prominent local citizens, including industrialist John Carter Brown and Civil War general Ambrose Burnside.

3. The Providence Grays win the pennant: On September 4, 1884, the Providence Grays baseball team clinched the National League pennant with a win over the Cleveland Blues. The team, which featured future Hall of Famers Old Hoss Radbourn and Charles Radbourn, would go on to win the World Series that year.

4. Brown University opens its doors: September 4, 1764, marked the opening of Rhode Island's first college, Brown University. Originally known as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, the school was founded by Baptist minister James Manning and was named after benefactor Nicholas Brown Jr.

5. Newport Naval Station established: On September 4, 1915, the U.S. Navy established the Newport Naval Station in Newport, Rhode Island. The station played a key role in World War I and World War II, and today is home to the Naval War College and other naval training programs.