Rhode Island, the smallest US state, packs extraordinary variety into 1,545 square miles: the Gilded Age mansions of Newport, the creative dining scene of Providence, sweeping barrier beaches in South County, and Block Island's untouched bluffs. Despite its size, the Ocean State offers world-class sailing, colonial history dating to 1636, and some of New England's finest seafood.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Rhode Island.
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1
Roger Williams founds Providence after exile from Massachusetts
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2
Anne Hutchinson and followers establish Portsmouth
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3
King Charles II grants the Rhode Island Charter guaranteeing religious freedom
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4
Touro Synagogue built — oldest in the United States
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5
Burning of the Gaspee — colonists attack and burn British customs schooner in Narragansett Bay
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6
Rhode Island declares independence from Britain (May 4) — first colony to do so
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7
Rhode Island ratifies US Constitution — the last of the 13 original states
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8
Slater Mill in Pawtucket begins operations — first successful US textile mill
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9
The Breakers mansion completed for Cornelius Vanderbilt II
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10
Newport Jazz Festival founded
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11
WaterFire Providence first lighting by artist Barnaby Evans
Historical sites
Places where Rhode Island's past comes alive.
Touro Synagogue
Where: Newport
Admission: Adults $15 USD; students $8 USD
Slater Mill Historic Site
Where: Pawtucket
Admission: Adults $12 USD; children $8 USD
Roger Williams National Memorial
Where: Providence
Admission: Free (National Park Service)
Providence Preservation Society (Benefit Street)
Where: Providence
Admission: Free (self-guided walking tour)
Old Colony House
Where: Newport
Admission: Adults $10 USD
The Breakers (Preservation Society)
Where: Newport
Admission: Adults $30 USD; see newportmansions.org