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These are a few facts from http://www.50states.com/facts/rdisl.htm.

• Rhode Island is the smallest state in size in the US.
• Rhode Island was the last of the thirteen colonies to become a state.
• Rhode Island shares a state border with NY. 
• Polo was played for the first time in the United States in 1876 near Newport.
• Rhode Island was home to the first National Lawn Tennis Championship in 1899 (Which relates to my Rhode Island Tennis Hall of Fame).
• The state was home to the first open golf tournament. The event occurred in 1895.
• Ann and Hope was the first discount department store in the United States. The property was opened in Rhode Island. 
• Rhode Island is home to the Tennis Hall of Fame!!
• Rhode Island’s official state name is Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.’
• The capital of Rhode Island is Providence.
• The state bird is the Red Hen.