11 Surprising Firsts That Rhode Island Can Proudly Claim

Being the smallest state in the nation often means Rhode Island gets overlooked by the rest of the country. No matter how many times Little Rhody locals sing praises of their home state, the natural beauty, history, and culture can get passed by.

Little do tourists and natives know that several Rhode Island firsts ultimately paved the way for things like diners, sporting events, and yes, sideburns, for the entire U.S. Want proof? Here are 11 Rhode Island inventions, as well as things our fine state did first—all of which are quite surprising.

1. We Were the First State To Introduce the Sideburn

Thanks to former Rhode Island Governor Ambrose Burnside's impeccable hairstyle, the sideburn became an iconic way to groom the hair that connects from your head to your mustache or beard. Burnside was the state's governor from 1866 to 1869, after serving in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War.

2. Coffee Milk Was First Served Here

Rhode Island was the first to invent and serve Coffee Milk—a delicious, creamy drink that combines the flavors of sugar, espresso, and, of course, milk. To this day, it's considered the official state drink, and most Rhode Islanders can't do without it. Autocrat is the main brand out here that makes coffee syrup, which is mixed with milk to create the iconic beverage.

3. We Held the First-Ever National Lawn Tennis Championship

In 1881, Rhode Island held the first-ever national lawn tennis championship, and to this day, the site is home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Fanatics of the sport travel from far and wide to witness where some of the greats played world-changing matches and claimed their well-deserved spot in the hall.

4. The First Circus in the Country Was Held Here

The first-ever circus performance in the U.S. was in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1774. The first iteration of this American classic pastime was performed by the Ringling Brothers Circus and featured an act of skilled horsemen showing off their tricks. The infamous Ringling troupe went on to add several acts to their show and took it on the road across the country.

5. We're Home to the First-Ever Discount Department Store

Rhode Island is home to the first-ever discount department store in the U.S., called Ann & Hope. The store opened in 1953, and its customer service model helped pave the way for the big-box department stores that we know and love today. While the brand is no longer in business, its historical impact on the state and the world is forever.

6. The First U.S. Polo Match Happened Here

The country's first match of polo took place in Rhode Island in 1886. It was an international competition that featured London army officers and American members of the Westchester Polo Club. This historic match—now known as the annual Westchester Cup—takes place in Newport and is a widely popular attraction for both locals and tourists.

7. We're Home to the First Diner

The country's first diner experience can be attributed to Providence, Rhode Island, native Walter Scott, who opened a lunch cart in 1872 where customers could dine alfresco. This gave way to the idea for the diner eatery, where customers could stop in for classic, 24/7 comfort food. The many cozy eateries we have in the U.S. today can be attributed to this original lunch cart.

8. The State Held the First Open Golf Tournament

Rhode Island hosted the first U.S. Open golf tournament in 1895 at the Newport Golf Club. Eleven players from the U.S., England, Scotland, and Canada competed at all 18 holes, resulting in Englishman Horace Rawlins taking home first place. To this day, the U.S. Open is played once a year at various course locations.

9. We Invented the Clam Cake

Rhode Island is home to a one-of-a-kind delicacy called the clam cake. A cross between a beignet, hushpuppy, and fish stick, these fritters start with Rhode Island clam meat and are then coated in flour, seasoned, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Talk about delicious. We're fans of the clam cakes at Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House in Warwick and Dune Brothers Seafood in Providence.

10. We Were the First State to Have a Baptist Church

The nation's first Baptist church was located in Providence, Rhode Island, and dates back to 1638. The church was founded by Roger Williams on the principles of religious liberty and separation of church and state. Now, the denomination is one of the most popular in the U.S., with thousands of churches and members in each state.

11. We Were First To Renounce Allegiance to the British Crown

Rhode Island was the first U.S. colony to renounce British rule in America in 1776. Leaders of the colony's General Assembly rejected King George III and broke legal ties with the monarchy months before the Declaration of Independence was announced by the Second Continental Congress.

Did we miss any incredible feats that Little Rhody achieved first? Discover more fun facts about Rhode Island for yourself by taking a trip to the Ocean State for a while, using Only In Your State's itinerary planner to guide your days.