Rhode Island was discovered in 1524, and Providence was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a clergyman exiled from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for his beliefs. Rhode Island became the first of the original thirteen colonies to declare independence from Britain in 1776. On May 29, 1790, it entered the Union as the 13th state.
Located in New England, Rhode Island borders Connecticut and Massachusetts by land and New York’s Long Island by water. It is the smallest U.S. state at 1,214 square miles, yet it is the 2nd most densely populated, with about 1,000,000 residents in 2024. Despite its size, the state’s coastline, bays, and islands give it an outsized maritime presence.
Rhode Island’s economy blends tradition and innovation. The state manufactures jewelry, electronics, plastics, and metal goods, and it remains a center for ship and boat building. Health and medical research, ocean science, and wholesale distribution are key non manufacturing sectors. Fishing ports such as Galilee and Newport support a strong seafood industry, and tourism generates more than one billion dollars each year.
Notable landmarks include Atlantic Beach Amusement Park, which retains its historic seaside character, and Belcourt Castle in Newport, which is open to the public. The Rhode Island State House in Providence houses the Governor and the General Assembly. The Breakers is a grand mansion with 70 rooms and a vast central hall. The Flying Horse Carousel, built in 1876, is the oldest operating carousel in the United States. Other sites include Old Harbor, Quaker Burying Ground, Lewis Family Cemetery, Hathaway Cemetery, and Bliven Burial Ground.
Living in Rhode Island means coastal beauty, vibrant neighborhoods, and rich food culture. Beaches and lighthouses line the shore, and the restaurant scene is known for fresh seafood, pasta, and pizza. Small size, strong communities, and easy access to the wider New England region make Rhode Island a distinctive and appealing place to call home.
Back to map
