Wanderlust World Wanderlust World 1644: The Rhode Island General Assembly is established, making it the first representative government in the New World.
1663: The Rhode Island Charter is granted by King Charles II, guaranteeing the colony religious freedom and self-government.
1772: The Gaspee Affair occurs when a British customs schooner is burned in Narragansett Bay, leading to increased tensions between the colonists and the British government.
1776: Rhode Island declares independence from Great Britain and becomes the last original state to join the Union.
1781: The Battle of Rhode Island takes place, resulting in a British victory but failing to dislodge the French and American forces from the state.
1790: The first cotton mill in the United States is established in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
1842: The Dorr Rebellion occurs when Thomas Dorr leads an unsuccessful rebellion against the state government, seeking to expand voting rights and reform the state's charter.
1930: The Ocean State Job Lot, a popular discount chain, is founded in Providence.
1938: The first Newport Jazz Festival is held, which later becomes one of the most prestigious jazz festivals in the world.
1956: The Interstate Highway System is established, with Rhode Island playing a key role in its development, particularly with the construction of the I-95 highway.