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Table of Contents
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States; as one of the original thirteen colonies, the state has a rebellious history, having been the first to proclaim independence from England in 1776. Rhode Island has become densely populated with a thriving service economy emphasizing tourism, education, and health care.
See the fact file below for more information on Rhode Island or you can download our 40-page Rhode Island worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
- While most of the state is mainland, it draws its name from Aquidneck Island, also known as Rhode Island.
- The colony of Rhode Island originated in 1636 when priest Roger Williams was expelled from Massachusetts Bay.
- The Puritans disagreed with Williams’s religious ideas. He christened his new hamlet “Providence,” saying Providence had brought him there.
- Williams was joined by other religious refugees who created Pocasset, now Portsmouth, in 1638 and Newport in 1639.
- This religious pluralism spread beyond the Christian faiths. Touro Synagogue (established in 1763) is the oldest in the U.S.
- Rhode Island thrived despite defeats in King Philip’s War. Providence was assaulted twice throughout the fighting. King Philip himself (Metacomet) was murdered near modern-day Bristol.
- Rhode Island prides itself on an open, independent mindset. Brown University, founded in 1764, was the first American college to allow students of all religions.
- Rhode Island observed the burning of the HMS Gaspee (a British customs schooner) and proclaimed independence two months before the colonies, in May 1776.
- Despite this, Rhode Island also has a mixed history with slavery; Rhode Island was the first state to ban slavery, but insufficient enforcement meant that Rhode Island was the biggest slaveholding state in New England.
- Newport had tremendous expansion as part of the Triangular Trade.
- The state was at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution. The earliest textile mill of the Industrial Revolution, Samuel Slater’s Mill, was located in Rhode Island.
- The industrialization of the region led to developing class tensions.
- Traditionally, only property owners could vote, meaning that the working class had little influence in governance.
- Labor organizers built their opposition government against the official legislature in the Ocean official.
- In 1842 this resulted in Dorr’s Rebellion. As a result of the uprising, voting rights were finally extended to non-property owners with a $1 poll tax.
- After the Civil War, the country at large hurtled toward its largest industrialization phase.
- The Gilded Age spawned a wealthy elite of industrialists unequaled in American history.
- Many wealthy families made Rhode Island their summer destination; billionaires around the Northeast erected grand houses in Newport.
- A flourishing manufacturing sector and an expansion in tourism industries bolstered this.
- After World War II, the once-major city of Providence faced a tremendous decline, having ramifications for the state at large.
- Its population plummeted by roughly a third, it was decrepit, and severe concerns about organized crime existed.
GEOGRAPHICAL BACKGROUND
- Rhode Island, formally The State of Rhode Island, is the smallest of the Union states, measuring roughly 44 miles (77 km) in length and 37 miles (60 km) broad.
- Despite its tiny area, it is one of the most densely populated, with a population of 1,098,163 (2021).
- It is one of six New England states, with its ‘Ocean State’ nickname referencing a coast stretching over 400 miles (640 km).
- Located on the east coast of the United States in the New England area, Rhode Island is geographically the smallest of the 50 U.S. states.
- Despite the name, it is not an island but incorporates the eponymous island inside its coastal boundaries. Rhode Island is most widely known as Aquidneck Island.
- The state has land boundaries with Massachusetts on the north and east and Connecticut on the west.
- To the south, the state is surrounded by Rhode Island Sound and Block Island Sound straits.
- Rhode Island has two broad geographical zones, with a Coastal Lowland in the south and east and the Eastern New England Upland spanning the northern portion.
- The Coastal Lowland contains the islands of Narragansett Bay and a coastal area of sandy beaches, lagoons, and saltwater ponds.
- Narragansett Bay cuts inland to Providence, where it joins the Blackstone River.
- Aquidneck Island, officially known as Rhode Island, is the biggest and home to Portsmouth, Middletown, and Newport communities.
- The other significant islands are Conanicut Island, which has the resort of Jamestown, and Prudence Island.
- Aquidneck Island links to the mainland by the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge, the Mount Hope Bridge, and the Sakonnet River Bridge.
- The upland portion of Rhode Island is frequently called the Western Rocky Upland and covers roughly one-third of the state. This area has undulating hills, with the highest point being Jerimoth Hill (812 ft, 247 m).
- Even though more than half of Rhode Island is covered by trees, the region is extensively urbanized.
- Providence is the largest city and the state capital, with other significant towns including Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, and Newport.
- Rhode Island’s coast features various resorts noted for their swimming and boating amenities, with Block Island a favored vacation area.
- Narragansett Bay is well-recognized for its yachting ties, and America’s Cup sailing race has been staged in Newport multiple times.
- Most of the state has a humid continental climate with chilly winters and mild summers. Winter temperatures vary from -6.1 to 2.2Β°C (21 to 36Β°F), with summer temperatures averaging between 17.2 and 27.2Β°C (63 to 81Β°F).
- Rainfall is typically equally distributed throughout the year. Common extreme weather occurrences include intense storms, floods, and occasional hurricanes.
PEOPLE AND POPULATION
- It is believed that roughly 140,000 Native Americans inhabited the Narragansett Bay area when colonial colonists arrived in the 1620s.
- These populations plummeted considerably following contact with European settlers, primarily due to illnesses they introduced.
- While interactions between Native Americans and the English immigrants were usually amiable, the population losses led Native American communities to decrease swiftly.
- Most settlers entering the colonial period were English and Irish Protestants, with some Jewish, French Huguenots, and enslaved Africans.
- During the 1840s, the region significantly increased the number of Irish settlers, driven by individuals escaping the Irish Potato Famine.
- During the second part of the 19th century, immigration grew across Europe with groups like Russians, Armenians, and Italians.
- By 1920, about a third of the Rhode Island population was foreign-born.
- The history of immigration contributed to creating Providence as the major population center, along with the bordering cities such as North Providence, Pawtucket, Johnston, Cranston, Warwick, and East Providence.
- During the 20th century, immigrants migrated away from Europe, with the bulk of incomers being Hispanic or from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
- By the 21st century, Hispanics formed the largest minority group in Rhode Island state, accounting up 18.1% of the population.
- The U.S. Census Bureau of 2020 records a population of 1,098,163, making Rhode Island the 45th biggest state.
- It has the second-largest population density of any state, with only New Jersey having a greater concentration of people.
- The most populous area is around Providence in the Northeast of the state which is more than double the size of any other city. Most of the population (81%, 2021) is non-Hispanic, with Hispanic or Latino (17.1%, 2021) being the second largest group.
- The primary religion within the population is Roman Catholicism, with the state having one of the highest percentages of Catholics within the Union. The relationship with Catholicism mainly originates from the history of immigration from Ireland and Italy.
GOVERNMENT
- The Rhode Island General Assembly is bicameral, with members of both chambers elected on two-year terms. The Senate contains 38 members, with the House of Representatives having 75.
- The state sends two senators and two representatives to the U.S. Congress and has four electoral votes.
- Rhode Island is primarily Democratic but has elected a handful of Republicans, notably during the 1990s.
- The General Assembly gathers in the State House on the line between Smith Hill and Downtown Providence.
- ‘Smith Hill’ is occasionally used as a figure of speech to refer to the Rhode Island General Assembly.
- The government structure has grown from various sources, including the Rhode Island Constitution, General Laws, and executive directives.
- The state has a Supreme Court, superior courts, district courts, and municipal and probate courts.
- Rhode Island state does not have a county level of government. However, five counties within the territory operate as geographic divisions. The 39 state municipalities each have its local administration, with most cities having a mayor.
- Since the 1920s, the Rhode Island Democratic Party has controlled Rhode Island politics, and the state is viewed as part of the party’s ‘Blue Wall.’
- A Board of Regents has authority for all public education, with the state having a solid reputation for higher education.
- Brown University, founded in 1764, is an Ivy League university.
- Other educational institutions comprise the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence and the University of Rhode Island at Kingston.
ECONOMY
- The economy of Rhode Island has had to adapt from reliance on industry to a primarily service-based sector.
- Past industries that Rhode Island was known for included toolmaking, silverware, and cotton mills powered by the Blackstone River.
- Rhode Island’s old manufacturing sector has diversified and now centers on services, commerce (retail and wholesale), and finance.
- Despite this, many things for which Rhode Island is famous are still being created.
- This includes jewelry, silverware, textiles, primary and manufactured metals, machinery, electrical equipment, and rubber and plastic products.
- Tourism, data analytics, healthcare, and education are among the fields covered, with the largest corporation in the state being CVS Health, which employs roughly 295,000 (2023).
- Agriculture is relatively unimportant to the economy. Most of the cropland is utilized for dairying and poultry production, and the state is well-known for its Rhode Island Red birds.
- Principal crops are nursery and greenhouse goods. Commercial fishing is an important but diminishing business.
- Narragansett Bay includes a variety of shellfish; flounder and porgy are frequently taken.
- Naval installations at Newport also add to the state’s economy.
ABOUT RHODE ISLAND
LANDMARKS
- Full of luxurious Gilded Age homes, sweeping coastal vistas, and lovely state parks, this little state offers numerous historical treasures for travelers.
- Historic buildings, lighthouses, and even America’s first indoor mall are all sites to see if you’re considering an RV trip to Rhode Island.
Fort Adams State Park
- Fort Adams State Park is located on the harbor mouth of Newport, Rhode Island.
- The state park is home to Fort Adams, the historic old army post constructed in 1799. Visitors who want to learn more about the fort can attend guided or self-led tours to learn about its history.
- Aside from the fort, the state park also offers swimming, boating, picnics, and soccer and rugby grounds. While the park is open all year, summer provides the best weather and is the most popular tourist period.
International Tennis Hall of Fame
- Tennis players and enthusiasts will want to stop by the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
- The Tennis Hall of Fame features a museum and numerous tennis courts in Newport. The museum recognizes tennis players and contributors and seeks to commemorate and preserve the sport of tennis.
- Its tennis memorabilia and artifacts include images, movies, equipment, awards, and more from some of tennis’s most famous and influential people.
- Wander through the museum to learn about the history of tennis and the present sports advances.
- If you want to play, guests may book both the indoor and outdoor tennis courts by the hour and coaching and lessons are available.
The Breakers
- If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in The Great Gatsby or enjoy that style, visiting The Breakers should be on your itinerary.
- This Gilded Age palace in Newport was erected in the 1890s as a summer retreat for members of the Vanderbilt family. Not only was it the largest and most sumptuous mansion in Newport when it was erected, but it’s also become one of the most-visited sites in Rhode Island.
- The home is a National Historic Landmark held by the Newport Preservation Society as a museum.
- It’s available year-round for tours of the stunning castle and gardens.
Ocean Drive Historic District
- The Ocean Drive Historic District is an area along the southern coast of Newport that was home to the summer “cottages” of rich New Englanders throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- The historic area is part of Newport’s Ten Mile Drive and mixes the heritage of these ancient houses with public parks and public access to the beaches along the Atlantic shoreline.
- A trip down this road will take you past the mansions and allow you to check out Fort Adams State Park and Brenton Point State Park, with magnificent ocean views all along the way.
Cliff Walk
- Newport, Rhode Island’s Cliff Walk, is a magnificent 3.5-mile walk along the Atlantic edge.
- This public access path makes its way around Aquidneck Island coast, affording pedestrians views of the ocean, the rocky shoreline, and the odd Gilded Age home.
- It’s a National Recreation Trail in the National Historic District, and much of the route is easy to navigate.
- Aside from birds, wildflowers, and the stunning breaking waves, there are 16 QR code trail markers situated at significant locations throughout the route that visitors may watch for.
- Scanning the QR codes on a smartphone will provide tourists with information about historic residences and local geological characteristics.
Arcade Providence
- Step back into history and experience the first indoor retail mall in the United States.
- The Westminster Arcade, also known as the Arcade Providence or the Providence Arcade, was erected in 1828 as the country’s first enclosed retail mall in Providence, Rhode Island.
- The arcade was constructed in the commercial Greek Revival architecture style and has undergone modifications multiple times over roughly 200 years.
- Today it’s a combination of residences on the top levels, with eating, bars, and retail shops on the main floors.
Rhode Island State House
- The Rhode Island State House is a magnificent government structure in the state’s capital, Providence.
- Designed in the Neoclassical style, the structure includes the fourth largest structural-stone dome in the world and is one of the most spectacular capital buildings in the country.
Block Island Southeast Lighthouse
- If you take a vacation to Block Island, off the coast of Rhode Island, be sure to see Block Island Southeast Lighthouse.
- Located on the southeastern tip of Block Island atop the Mohegan Bluffs, the Block Island Southeast Lighthouse is one of two lighthouses on the island and the easiest to see.
- Built in 1875, this National Historic Landmark affords tourists excellent ocean views and the rest of the island.
- Tours of the lighthouse are available during summer, and the grounds are open year-round.
Goddard Memorial State Park
- One of Rhode Island’s popular urban parks, Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick, comprises over 500 acres and includes woodlands, fields, a golf course, and the ocean.
- Visitors have great activities to entertain themselves, such as hiking, horseback riding on the 18 miles of bridle paths, and kayaking.
- There are sports grounds, a 9-hole golf course, and a bathing beach.
CULTURE
- Despite its modest size, Rhode Island has plenty to offer, from its stunning landscapes and rich history to a lively cultural scene and world-class educational institutions.
- Newport: City of Firsts
- The city of Newport was the legendary summer hideaway of the country’s affluent and famous and for its historic mansions and its rich sailing history.
As a result, Newport is a location of numerous firsts:
- the first gas-lit street in the United States
- the first U.S. Open in tennis
- the inaugural U.S. Open in golf
- the first-ever speeding penalty issued for a vehicle
- Newport also has several colonial houses, notably the country’s oldest library building.
- Meanwhile, Newport’s biggest claim to fame is its historic “summer cottages.” Many are now museums, affording a glimpse into the Gilded Age and the country’s famed “robber barons.”
- Newport Jazz Festival
- Jazz may be music primarily associated with Harlem and New Orleans, yet the country’s oldest annual jazz festival is in Newport.
- The introduction of a jazz festival to upper-class white Newport in 1954 was greeted with considerable skepticism and particular concerns (complaints from local people and prejudice against black artists).
- Unrest and worries about the numbers led to the event moving to New York in the 1970s.
- After Rhode Island began embracing tourists in the 1980s, the Newport Jazz Festival returned to roost.
- Today it is one of the country’s most prominent jazz festivals.
- Block Island
- Block Island is a tiny, thinly inhabited island off the southern coast of Rhode Island.
- This small island has a strong reputation as a magnificent natural attraction.
- The maritime environment is a geographic peculiarity, making the island far more temperate than the rest of the Northeast.
- The island provides plenty of hiking, swimming, riding, and nature walks.
- It is also a famed sanctuary for piratesβor a pirate.
- The myth goes that Captain Kidd arrived on the island shortly before his imprisonment. While there, Kidd handed a fortune of money and diamonds to Mercy Raymond of the (soon-to-be) affluent Raymond family.
- Beaches in the Ocean State
- Rhode Island can be considered the smallest state in the U.S., yet it has an extensive shoreline.
- The various islands and bays of the Ocean State provide over 400 miles of shoreline.
- This profusion of beaches draws many people in the summer months.
- The beaches also help sustain a network of associated maritime enterprises; local seafood and sailing are essential to the Rhode Island economy.
Rhode Island Worksheets
This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Rhode Island across 40 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Rhode Island. Rhode Island has become densely populated with a thriving service economy emphasizing tourism, education, and health care.
Complete List of Included Worksheets
Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.
- Rhode Island Facts
- New England States
- Renowned People and Places
- Living in Rhode Island
- State Symbols
- General Information
- State Flag
- A Trip to Rhode Island
- Sing the State Song
- RHODE ISLAND
- Glimpse of the Past
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital city of Rhode Island?
The capital city of Rhode Island is Providence.
What is the nickname of Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is often referred to as the “Ocean State” due to its extensive coastline and numerous bays and inlets.
What is the size of Rhode Island in comparison to other U.S. states?
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States in terms of land area. It covers approximately 1,214 square miles, making it the 50th largest state.
What is Rhode Island’s official state bird?
The official state bird of Rhode Island is the Rhode Island Red hen. It was designated as the state bird in 1954.
What is Rhode Island’s historical significance?
Rhode Island was one of the original 13 colonies that declared independence from British rule and played a significant role in the American Revolution. It was the first of the thirteen colonies to renounce its allegiance to the British Crown in 1776, declaring itself an independent state before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
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Link will appear as Rhode Island Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, February 6, 2017
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