Happy Rhode Island Independence Day! Okay, so maybe it’s not as well known as the good ol’ U.S. Independence Day, but that’s because it’s so darn special. A little backstory: Rhode Island was the first of the original thirteen U.S. colonies to gain independence, declaring itself independent on May 4, 1776, a full two months before any other other colony. Talk about ahead of the game. In honor of this momentous occasion, we’re giving you a few tips on how to celebrate like a true Rhode Island native.