History of Rhode Island, USA

1637 - Anne Hutchison founded Portsmouth after being banished from Massachusetts for heresy
In 1637, Anne Hutchinson, a prominent Puritan dissident, was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony due to her outspoken views on religious doctrine and governance. Hutchinson, known for challenging the established clergy and advocating for a more individualistic interpretation of religious teachings, found herself at odds with the Puritan leadership. Following her banishment, Hutchinson, along with her followers, settled on Aquidneck Island in present-day Rhode Island, where they established the settlement of Portsmouth.

Portsmouth, founded by Hutchinson and her supporters, became one of the earliest examples of religious tolerance and democratic governance in the American colonies. It operated under a pioneering agreement known as the Portsmouth Compact, which established principles of civil liberties and the separation of church and state.
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1643 - Roger Williams received parliamentary patent for Providence, Portsmouth, Newport colony, confirmed fellow settlers' land claims
In 1643, Roger Williams, a notable advocate for religious freedom and the founder of Rhode Island, received a parliamentary patent that formalized the establishment of several settlements in the area. This patent specifically recognized Providence, Portsmouth, and Newport as colonial entities under his leadership. Roger Williams, originally banished from Massachusetts Bay Colony due to his controversial beliefs regarding the separation of church and state and his interactions with Native Americans, found refuge among like-minded settlers who shared his ideals of religious tolerance and individual liberty.

The parliamentary patent not only legitimized these settlements but also confirmed the land claims of Williams and his fellow settlers, ensuring their rights to establish and govern their communities autonomously. This event marked a significant milestone in the early colonial history of what would become Rhode Island, setting the stage for the colony's unique development as a... Read MORE...


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1647 - Rhode Island united with Providence, formed single government

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1675-76 - King Philip's War between Narragansetts Indians and colonists; several thousand Indians died, six hundred colonists died, much property damage
King Philip's War, spanning from 1675 to 1676, was a pivotal conflict in early American history, primarily fought between the Narragansett Indians and English colonists in New England. Named after Metacom, also known as King Philip, the Wampanoag leader who unified various tribes against encroaching settlers, the war erupted due to simmering tensions over land, resources, and autonomy. The conflict resulted in a devastating toll on both sides: several thousand Native Americans perished, and around 600 colonists lost their lives, marking it as one of the deadliest wars in proportion to the population at that time in North America.

The war saw brutal skirmishes and massacres, with both Native villages and English settlements attacked and razed. The colonists, backed by their military superiority and alliances with some Native tribes, eventually gained the upper hand. The outcome was a significant loss for Native American tribes, leading to the further encroachment of English... Read MORE...

1761 - October 23 - A hurricane struck southeastern New England. It was the most violent in thirty years. Thousands of trees blocked roads in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

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1774 - Rhode Island abolishes slavery

The World Almanac of the U.S.A, by Allan Carpenter and Carl Provorse, 1996

1776 - Rhode Island first American colony to declare independence from Britain
In 1776, Rhode Island made a significant mark in American history by becoming the first colony to declare independence from Britain. This bold move occurred amidst the escalating tensions between the American colonies and the British Crown, fueled by issues such as taxation without representation and increasing restrictions on colonial autonomy. Rhode Island, known for its independent spirit and strong maritime economy, took a decisive step towards self-governance and freedom.

The declaration of independence by Rhode Island set a precedent and inspired other colonies to follow suit in declaring their own independence, culminating in the United States' formal Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Rhode Island's action underscored the growing unity and resolve among the American colonies to pursue independence from British rule, laying the groundwork for the Revolutionary War and the birth of the United States as a sovereign nation.
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1778 - August 12 - A Rhode Island hurricane prevented an impending British-French sea battle, and caused extensive damage over southeast New England.

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1812 - Rhode Island refused participation in the War of 1812
In two or three paragraphs, briefly describe this historical event: 1812 - Rhode Island refused participation in the War of 1812

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In 1812, Rhode Island's decision to refuse participation in the War of 1812 stemmed from a complex mix of economic interests, political alignments, and regional considerations. The state's economy heavily relied on maritime trade, which faced significant disruptions during times of war. Rhode Island's leaders, many of whom were aligned with the Federalist Party, viewed the conflict as potentially damaging to their commercial interests and preferred neutrality to avoid economic strain and potential military conscription.

Politically, Rhode Island had a history of independent thought and action, often resisting federal mandates it deemed unfavorable. The state's stance on the war reflected broader sentiments of skepticism toward centralized federal authority and a commitment to preserving its autonomy. This decision placed Rhode... Read MORE...

1839 - Rhode Island
RHODE ISLAND
The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations was settled by Roger Williams in 1636, a man remarkable for his benevolence, justice, and pacific policy. It derived its name from that of a beautiful island at the mouth of Narraganset bay. Its government commenced under the charter of Charles II, in 1663, which charter is the present Constitution of the State. It became a member of the Union May 29th, 1790.

This state annually appropriates $10,000, to be divided among the towns for the support of free schools.

Rhode Island comprises five counties: Providence, Newport, Bristol, Kent and Washington. It is bounded N. and E. by the state of Massachusetts, S. by the Atlantic ocean, and W. by the state of Connecticut. It lies between 41° and 42°N. lat., and between 71° and 72°W. long.; and comprises an area of 1350 square miles. Population, 1755, 40,414; 1774, 59,678; 1790, 68,825; 1800, 69,122; 1810, 75,188; 1820, 83,059; 1830, 97,196. Population to square a mile,... Read MORE...

1861-65 - 25,236 Rhode Islanders fought in Civil War; 1,685 died

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1895 - Rhode Island
Rhode Island, röd i’land, one of the New England States, and one of the original thirteen members of the Amer ican Union, bounded on the N. and E. by Massachusetts, S. by the Atlantic, and W. by Connecticut. Its coast-line is deeply indented by Narragansett Bay, which receives the estuaries of the Taunton and Providence Rivers. Within the bay lie Aquidneck or Rhode Island (which gives name to the state), Canonicut, Prudence, Patience, Hope, Perry, Dutch, and other islands; and off the coast lies Block Island, which constitutes the town of New Shorehain. The total area of the state is 1250 square miles, of which 1085 square miles constitutes the land and 165 the water area; and it is therefore the smallest state in the Union...

The principal cities and towns are Providence, one of the state capitals, and the second city in size in New England (pop. in 1890, 132,146), Pawtucket (27,663), Newport, the other state capital (19,457), and Woonsocket (20,830). The other leading places are... Read MORE...

1938 - Hurricane killed about 600, caused signifcant damages
A great hurricane smashed into Long Island and bisected New England causing a massive forest blow down and widespread flooding. Winds gusted to 186 mph at Blue Hill MA, and a storm surge of nearly thirty feet caused extensive flooding along the coast of Rhode Island. The hurricane killed 600 persons and caused 500 million dollars damage. The hurricane, which lasted twelve days, destroyed 275 million trees. Hardest hit were Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Long Island NY. The ""Long Island Express"" produced gargantuan waves with its 150 mph winds, waves which smashed against the New England shore with such force that earthquake-recording machines on the Pacific coast clearly showed the shock of each wave.
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Here's a list of places to go and things to do in the Ocean State:
1. Newport

Explore the stunning Newport Mansions, including The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff, which showcase Gilded Age architecture.

Take a stroll along Cliff Walk, a scenic path that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the mansions.

Visit Fort Adams State Park, a historic military fort with panoramic views and events like the Newport Jazz Festival.

2. Providence

Discover the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum, home to an extensive collection of art and design pieces.

Enjoy WaterFire, a unique art installation featuring bonfires on the Providence River, accompanied by music and entertainment.

Walk around Federal Hill, the city's Little Italy, and savor delicious Italian cuisine.

3. Block Island
Take a ferry from the mainland to Block Island for a day of relaxation on beautiful beaches and scenic hikes.

Explore Mohegan Bluffs for stunning cliffside views and visit the iconic Southeast Lighthouse.
Rent a bike or moped to... Read MORE...