1) On September 7, 1638, Anne Hutchinson and her family arrived in present-day Rhode Island after being banished from Massachusetts for her religious beliefs. Hutchinson is known as a pioneer for religious freedom and a key figure in the development of the colony.

2) In 1739, the first fire company in Rhode Island, the Providence Fire Society, formed on September 7. This was an important milestone in the city's efforts to protect citizens and property from fires.

3) On September 7, 1775, the Continental Navy's first flagship, the USS Alfred, was commissioned in Providence. This marked the beginning of the Navy's active service during the American Revolution.

4) The Rhode Island Historical Society was founded on September 7, 1822. The society was established to preserve and catalog Rhode Island's history and has since become a leading resource for scholars and researchers.

5) In 1940, the Hurricane of 1940 struck Rhode Island on September 7, causing widespread damage and flooding. This was one of the most destructive hurricanes to hit the state and resulted in the deaths of over 100 people. The storm also caused significant damage to property and infrastructure, leading to a large relief effort by the federal government.