Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
RHODE ISLAND
America's smallest state packs a lot into a compact package, more than making up for its
lack of land with 400 miles of craggy coastline, deeply indented bays and lovely beaches.
The state's engaging capital, Providence, is small enough to be friendly but big enough to
offer top-notch dining and attractions. Newport, a summer haunt of the well-heeled,
brims with opulent mansions, pretty yachts and world-class music festivals. Should you
want to take it further afield, hopping on a ferry to Block Island makes a perfect day trip.
RHODE ISLAND FACTS
Nicknames Ocean State, Little Rhody
Population 1,050,300
Area 1034 sq miles
Capital city Providence (population 178,400)
Other city Newport (population 24,000)
Sales tax 7%
Birthplace of Broadway composer George M Cohan (1878-1942) and toy icon Mr
Potato Head (b 1952)
Home of The first US tennis championships
Politics Majority vote Democrat
Famous for Being the smallest state
Official state bird A chicken? Why not? The Rhode Island Red revolutionized the
poultry industry
Driving distances Providence to Newport 37 miles, Providence to Boston 50 miles
History
Ever since it was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a religious outcast from Boston,
Rhode Island's capital, Providence has enjoyed an independent frame of mind. Williams'
guiding principle, the one that got him ostracized from Massachusetts, was that all
people should have freedom of conscience. He put his liberal beliefs into practice when
settling Providence, remaining on friendly terms with the local Narragansett Native
Americans after purchasing from them the land for a bold experiment in tolerance and
peaceful coexistence.
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