National Rhode Island Day is observed in the United States every October 5 to honor Rhode Island as the thirteenth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution and join the Union. Established by National Day Calendar in 2017, the day recognizes the state's rich history, beginning with its founding by Roger Williams in 1636 as a refuge for those seeking religious freedom. Rhode Island became a destination for religious dissenters and independent thinkers, leading to the formation of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in 1644. Notably, Rhode Island was the first of the Thirteen Colonies to declare independence from Great Britain on May 4, 1776, and it was the last state to ratify the Constitution on May 29, 1790, after initially resisting due to anti-federalist sentiments. While National Rhode Island Day does not coincide with the anniversary of its admission to the Union, it is part of a broader celebration of statehood in the order states joined.