Rhode Island is America’s smallest state, but its coast, religious-liberty history, design culture, and maritime legacy are outsized.
15 Essential Facts About Rhode Island
1. Rhode Island became the 13th state on May 29, 1790.
Rhode Island became the 13th state on May 29, 1790.
2. Providence is the capital and largest city.
Providence is the capital and largest city.
3. It is the smallest U.S
It is the smallest U.S. state by land area.
4. The Ocean State nickname reflects its bays and coastline.
The Ocean State nickname reflects its bays and coastline.
5. Rhode Island was founded on principles of religious liberty.
Rhode Island was founded on principles of religious liberty.
6. Roger Williams founded Providence in 1636.
Roger Williams founded Providence in 1636.
7. Newport is known for Gilded Age mansions and sailing.
Newport is known for Gilded Age mansions and sailing.
8. The state motto is Hope.
The state motto is Hope.
9. Narragansett Bay shapes the coast and economy.
Narragansett Bay shapes the coast and economy.
10. Rhode Island was the first colony to renounce allegiance to Britain in 1776.
Rhode Island was the first colony to renounce allegiance to Britain in 1776.
11. The state has a celebrated design and arts culture.
The state has a celebrated design and arts culture.
12. Brown University is in Providence.
Brown University is in Providence.
13. Block Island lies offshore in the Atlantic.
Block Island lies offshore in the Atlantic.
14. The state has a long maritime and manufacturing history.
The state has a long maritime and manufacturing history.
15. Rhode Island proves how much history and coastline can fit in a small place.
Rhode Island proves how much history and coastline can fit in a small place.