Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Williams' principles would not last long. As Providence and Newport grew and
merged into a single colony, competition and conflict with area tribes sparked several
wars, leading to the decimation of the Wampanoag, Pequot, Narragansett and Nipmuck
peoples. Rhode Island was also a prolific slave trader and its merchants would control
much of that industry in the years after the Revolutionary War.
The city of Pawtucket gave birth to the American industrial revolution with the estab-
lishment of the water-powered Slater Mill in 1790. Industrialism impacted the character
of Providence and surrounds, particularly along the Blackstone River, creating urban
density. As with many small east-coast cities, these urban areas went into a precipitous
decline in the 1940s and '50s as manufacturing industries (textiles and costume jewelry)
faltered. In the 1960s preservation efforts salvaged the historic architectural framework
of Providence and Newport. The former has emerged as a lively place with a dynamic
economy and the latter, equally lively, survives as a museum city.
Information
Providence Journal ( www.providencejournal.com ) The state's largest daily newspaper.
Rhode Island Parks ( www.riparks.com ) Offers camping in five state parks.
Rhode Island Tourism Division ( 800-250-7384; www.visitrhodeisland.com ) Distributes
visitor information on the whole state.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Providence
Rhode Island's capital city, Providence presents its visitors with some of the finest urban
strolling this side of the Connecticut River. In the crisp air and falling leaves of autumn,
wander through Brown University's green campus on 18th-century College Hill and fol-
low the Riverwalk into downtown. Along the way you'll have opportunities to lounge in
the sidewalk cafe of an art-house theater, dine in a stellar restaurant and knock back a
few pints in a cool bar. At night, take in a play at the Trinity Repertory, squeeze into a
club or eat some 3am burgers aboard the mobile Haven Brothers Diner.
Sights
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search