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Get ready to celebrate Rhode Island Independence Day on May 4th – a day that marks the official declaration of independence for this small but mighty state. On this day in 1776, Rhode Island declared its separation from British rule, making it the first colony to do so. This event played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and ultimately led to the formation of our great nation. Today, we honor and commemorate this historic moment with pride and gratitude for all that Rhode Island has contributed to our country's history. So let's raise our glasses (or clam cakes) to this special day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1636</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Settlement of Rhode Island</div><div class='timeline-text'>Roger Williams, banished from Massachusetts for his religious beliefs, establishes Providence Plantations, which becomes Rhode Island.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1663</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Charter of Rhode Island</div><div class='timeline-text'>Rhode Island receives a royal charter from King Charles II affirming its religious freedom, laying down principles that would later inspire the US Constitution.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1765</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Stamp Act Protest</div><div class='timeline-text'>Rhode Island leads protest against England's Stamp Act, finding itself at the forefront of resistance against British rule in the American colonies.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1774</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Armed Resistance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Rhode Islanders board and burn the "Gaspee," a British ship, marking the first act of armed resistance against the British rule.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1776</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rhode Island Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>On May 4th, the Rhode Island General Assembly formally declares its independence from British rule, becoming the first colony to do so.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1901</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Rhode Island Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Rhode Island General Assembly proclaims May 4th as "Rhode Island Independence Day," commemorating the state's independence declaration of 1776.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Rhode Island Independence Day is typically celebrated with a parade, so grab your friends and family, find a spot along the parade route, and enjoy the festivities!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit historical sites</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Rhode Island played an important role in the American Revolution, so take some time to visit historical sites such as the Newport Tower, Fort Adams, or the State House to learn more about the state's history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a beach day</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>With its beautiful coastline, Rhode Island is the perfect place to spend a summer day. Pack a picnic, bring some beach games, and enjoy a relaxing day at one of Rhode Island's many beaches.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try local cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate Rhode Island Independence Day by trying some local dishes, such as clam chowder, johnnycakes, or coffee milk. Don't forget to sample some delicious seafood, as Rhode Island is known for its fresh seafood dishes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch fireworks</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many towns in Rhode Island put on spectacular fireworks displays to celebrate Independence Day. Find out when and where they are happening and end your day with a bang!</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It marks a significant moment in American history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Rhode Island Independence Day commemorates the state's declaration of independence from British rule on May 4th, 1776. This event played a crucial role in America's fight for independence and should be remembered and celebrated.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates Rhode Island's unique identity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>As the smallest state in the US, Rhode Island often gets overlooked. However, this day allows for recognition and celebration of the state's distinct culture, traditions and contributions to American society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings communities together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Rhode Island Independence Day is not only a time to reflect on the past but also an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their shared history and culture. It promotes unity and pride within local communities across the state.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rhode Island Independence Day is Celebrated Every May 4th</h3><p class='facts-content'>Rhode Island Independence day consistently falls on May 4th each year, regardless of the day of the week, unlike many holidays that are celebrated on specific weekdays.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rhode Island Led the Way for America's Independence</h3><p class='facts-content'>Even before the wider American Revolution, Rhode Island declared its independence from Britain on May 4th, 1776, making it the first colony to do so.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Declaration was made in Rhode Island's Statehouse</h3><p class='facts-content'>This important declaration was made in the Colony House, now known as the Old State House. This building is one of the best surviving examples of a colonial public building and acts as a significant artifact of Rhode Island's heritage.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It's a Statewide Public Holiday</h3><p class='facts-content'>Rhode Island Independence Day is recognized as an official holiday throughout the state. It's not federally recognized and doesn't impact public obligations outside of Rhode Island.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Not Every American Knows About Rhode Island Independence Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Rhode Island Independence Day isn't as widely recognized or celebrated as July 4th, America's national independence day. Therefore, many Americans are unaware of this meaningful day unique to Rhode Island's history.</p></div></div>
Rhode Island Independence Day is celebrated on May 4 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Saturday.
2023
May 4
Thursday
2024
May 4
Saturday
2025
May 4
Sunday
2026
May 4
Monday
2027
May 4
Tuesday
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