1. Rhode Island became a state: On September 9, 1790, the state of Rhode Island was officially admitted as the 13th state in the Union.

2. First Naval Battle of the American Revolution: On September 9, 1775, the first naval battle of the American Revolution was fought off the coast of Rhode Island in Narragansett Bay. American forces, led by Commodore Esek Hopkins, engaged a British squadron, resulting in the capture of two vessels.

3. Labor Day Parade: Every year on the second Monday in September, Rhode Island hosts one of the largest Labor Day parades in the country. This tradition began in 1893 and has since attracted thousands of participants and spectators.

4. Portuguese-American Day: September 9 is recognized as Portuguese-American Day in Rhode Island, celebrating the contributions of the state's Portuguese community. The day is marked with a flag-raising ceremony, cultural events, and traditional Portuguese food.

5. Hurricane of 1938: On September 9, 1938, the deadliest and most destructive hurricane in Rhode Island's history struck the state. The Category 3 storm, known as the "Long Island Express," caused widespread damage and claimed the lives of over 680 people in New England.