flag via 50states.com

§ 25-2-1 Rhode Island Independence Day. – The fourth day of May in each and every year is established, in this state, as a day for celebration of Rhode Island independence, being a just tribute to the memory of the members of our general assembly, who, on the fourth day of May, 1776, in the State House at Providence, passed an act renouncing allegiance of the colony to the British crown and by the provisions of that act declared Rhode Island sovereign and independent, the first official act of its kind by any of the thirteen (13) American colonies.
History of Section.
(P.L. 1908, ch. 1591, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 64, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 66, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 21, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 25-2-1.)

Yes, Rhode Island was the first colony to declare its independence from England on May 4, 1776.


Star Wars  geeks (myself included - cue Bear rolling her eyes) know this to be Star Wars Day (May the 4th be with you - get it?). But good Rhodyers know that it's really Rhode Island Independence Day, too.

Do other states have independence days? I think Texas, maybe. Regardless. Weird. But cool.