There are a lot of fun facts about Rhode Island to dive into.
From its history with Roger William, Block Island, and New Jersey.
Plus, we will dive into the capital of Rhode Island. Talk about Providence College, Adriaen Block, and more.
Here are the best 100 Rhode Island facts!
10 fun facts about Rhode Island
1. Rhode Island has the oldest statehouse in the nation, dating back to 1762.
2. The state’s nickname is “The Ocean State” because of its long coastline and many beaches.
3. The first settlers in Rhode Island were Dutch and Swedish fishermen who settled on Aquidneck Island in 1638 and named it after their ship, the Nieuw Nederlands (New Netherland).
4. Rhode Island has 2 seasons: winter and construction! Construction can last from September to May because there are so many potholes in the highway system that need repair every year! Meaning it might be one of the best places to visit in December.
5. Newport, Rhode Island is sometimes called “America’s Yacht Capital” because it hosts an annual boat show each summer featuring some of the most expensive boats available anywhere in the world – including boats that cost millions of dollars!
6. The Family Guy is set in Rhode Island.
7. Rhode Island has the oldest statehouse in the nation, dating back to 1762.
8.. Governor William Bradford held the first Thanksgiving feast in 1623 at his house in Plymouth, Massachusetts – not on Plymouth Rock, as commonly believed. And a great historical site near Boston.
9. A native son of Rhode Island, Dr. Richard Shuckburgh, who served as surgeon general for King George II during the French and Indian War (1756-1763) wrote the famous Yankee Doodle song.
10. They named Rhode Island State after the island of Rhodes in Greece, and just like the Greek Island. There are a lot of the best beaches in Rhode Island worth visiting.. Because of its similar shape. At least many historians think so.
50 facts about Rhode Island
The oldest city in New England is Newport (settled in 1639)
The smallest state in the United States is Rhode Island. It covers just over 1,000 square miles and has a population of around 1.5 million people.
Newport has over 400 miles (640 km) of coastline.
Rhode Island is surrounded by states except for the Atlantic Ocean. It shares borders with Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Long Island Sound.
A real house in Harrisville inspired the house in the 2013 horror movie “The Conjuring”, Rhode Island.
Did you know that the oldest synagogue in the United States is Touro Synagogue, in Newport, Rhode Island?
If you are wondering who founded Rhode Island Colony? Roger Williams was born in 1603 in England. He came to America in 1631 and settled in Providence, RI. In 1636, he helped found the first Baptist church in America.
A fun fact about Rhode that goes hand in hand with that last fact is that the state was founded by Roger Williams. They expelled him from Massachusetts because of his religious beliefs. He started Rhode Island to provide religious freedom for all.
One food that you should try when you are in Rhode Island is “stuffie”, called a Stuffed Quahog. They often stuff it with Portuguese sausage, Chourico.
The first state to abolish slavery was Rhode Island.
Rhode Island is a state in the New England region of the United States. It was one of the original Thirteen Colonies that formed the United States. The state capital is Providence, while its largest city is Cranston.
The Cogswell Tower in Central Falls was an Indian observation point from 1676 to 1709 when it was destroyed during King Philip’s War.
The United States’ oldest carousel is in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. And is 150 years old.
Rhode Island never ratified the 18th Amendment, which made alcohol illegal.
Roger Williams named Providence after the divine blessing of escaping the religious persecution he was experiencing in Massachusetts.
He purchased the land from a native American tribe of Narragansett Indians.
The sport of polo was first played in the United States in 1876 in Rhode Island.
In 1828 St. Mary’s, Rhode Island’s oldest Roman Catholic parish opened its doors to the public.
And it is where Jacqueline Bouvier‘s wedding to John F Kennedy took place in 1953.
Family Guy is Set in Rhode Island
Rhode Island held the first circus in America, back in 1774.
The historic Newport country club is over 129 years old.
“The Ocean State” has approximately 400 miles of coastline
The highest point in Rhode Island is Jerimoth Hill, at 1,235 feet above sea level (333 meters). Jerimoth Hill is in Cumberland County.
A popular tourist attraction in Newport is Fort Adams State Park and Castle, built between 1824 and 1857
The first European to sail into Narragansett Bay was Giovanni da Verrazzano, a Florentine explorer for French king Francis I, in 1524.
The famous “Rhode Island Red“ breed of chicken was developed here in 1872 by Ross Brown, who wanted to create a hardy breed that could withstand colder temperatures than other breeds, so he crosses breed chickens until you got the Rhode Island Reds.
The Rhode Island State Flower is the Common Blue Violet
The Rhode Island Sound is an arm of Narragansett Bay that extends southward into Massachusetts Bay. The sound has several islands, including Prudence and Patience Islands, as well as several smaller islands such as Conanicut Light and Block Island.
Samuel Slater (1768-1835) was a British inventor and industrialist known as the “Father of the American Industrial Revolution.”
Slater emigrated from England to Rhode Island in 1789, where he built one of the first water-powered mills in America.
In 1636, Anne Hutchinson led an army of followers to Providence Plantation (now part of Warwick), where she wanted to be the capital of her own colony.
Like the state facts about Rhode Island. John Winthrop and other Puritans who left England found the Massachusetts bay colony in 1620 because of religious persecution. They named the colony for the bay which is on the east coast of North America. Parts of Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts were part of the original New England Colonies.
fun facts about providence, Rhode island
Providence is home to the third-oldest zoo in America, Roger Williams Park Zoo.
Providence is one of the most heavily Democratic cities in New England.
They founded Brown University in 1764 as “the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations,” It was the third college in Rhode Island
Providence was named the capital of Rhode Island in 1845 after being a contender against Newport and New Bedford for years
They found the Rhode Island colony as a place where people could practice their religion freely. It was one of the first colonies to have no religious test for voting or holding office.
Providence consistently ranks among America’s safest cities
What is the Rhode Island state animal? It is the Harbor Seal!
Roger Williams found Providence Plantation in 1636
Providence was once a center for textile manufacturing, with 12 mills operating at one time on both sides of the Blackstone River.
The Rhode Island State House is over 250 years old and has been the home to the Rhode Island government since 1762. It is one of the oldest state houses in the country still in use today!
Facts About Providence: Rhode Island Capital
Providence is the capital city of Rhode Island and the most populous city in Providence County.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Providence city has a total area of 20.5 square miles.
Colt State Park, located in Bristol within the Providence County, is a major attraction, known for its stunning views of Narragansett Bay.
Providence has a rich culinary scene, with clam chowder and clam cakes being popular local dishes.
The city is home to several higher educational institutions, including Rhode Island College, one of the oldest colleges in the state.
Providence has a rich North American history, with many 19th-century Victorian houses still standing, adding to the charm of the city.
East Greenwich, the wealthiest municipality within the state of Rhode Island, is situated within Providence County.
The Providence River runs through the city, providing beautiful waterfront views and spaces for recreational activities.
Providence Water is the largest supplier of drinking water in the state, serving more than 60% of Rhode Island’s population.
Kennedy Plaza, located in downtown Providence, is a major hub for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.
McCoy Stadium, located in Pawtucket within Providence County, has been a long-standing landmark, once home to the Pawtucket Red Sox, a minor league baseball team.
Rhode island population Facts
- Rhode Island does not have any county governments. Each municipality has its own form of local government.
- Along the same lines, there are 39 municipalities in Rhode Island.
- North Providence is a town in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 37,564 at the 2010 census.
- We call people from Rhode Island, a Rhode Islander
Bonus Fun Facts About Rhode Island
- Give me a list of fun facts about Rhode Island. Use all these keywords: 21st century, capitol building, John Clarke, electoral votes, Pauly D.
- Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the United States, but it is packed with interesting facts and trivia. Here are some fun facts about Rhode Island you might not have known:
- Rhode Island was the last of the 13 colonies to become a state, officially joining the Union on May 29, 1790.
- The state’s official name is “Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.”
- Rhode Island has the shortest official state name in the country.
- The state’s capital and largest city is Providence.
- The State House, Rhode Island’s capitol building, is the fourth largest self-supporting marble dome in the world, after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Minnesota State Capitol, and the Taj Mahal.
- Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams and John Clarke in 1636. Williams was a religious dissident who believed in religious freedom and separation of church and state.
- Rhode Island is officially known as the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
- Brown University, a prestigious Ivy League institution, is located in Providence, the state capital of Rhode Island.
- Rhode Island was one of the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776.
- The city of Central Falls, located in northern Rhode Island, has
- the highest population density of any city in the state.
- East Providence, which is located just across the border from Providence, is home to the only roundabout in Rhode Island.
- A person born and raised in Rhode Island is known as a Rhode Islander.
- Rhode Island was the first state to pass laws granting voting rights to African Americans.
- Rhode Island is the second most densely populated state in North America, with a population of over 1 million people in just over 1,200 square miles of land.
- Rhode Island is only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long, making it the smallest state in the country.
- Despite its small size, Rhode Island has played a significant role in American history. It was one of the original 13 colonies and was the first to declare independence from British rule on May 4, 1776.
- Rhode Island is home to some of the most innovative and technologically advanced companies in the 21st century, particularly in the field of electrical equipment.
- Rhode Island is known for its beautiful green space, with more than a third of the state covered by forests, parks, and wildlife reserves.
- The state’s coastal waters are home to a variety of marine life, including lobsters, clams, oysters, and fish
- Rhode Islanders have a reputation for being fiercely independent, with a strong sense of community and pride in their state.
- Aquidneck Island, also known as the Island of Rhode Island, is home to Newport, a popular tourist destination famous for its historic mansions and sailing culture.
- Rhode Island was the birthplace of President John F. Kennedy’s mother, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy.
- Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States but has more than 400 miles of coastline.
- The state’s official name is “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.”
- Samuel Ward, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was born in Rhode Island.
- Brown University, an Ivy League institution, is located in Providence and has many beautiful academic buildings, including the John Hay Library and the Pembroke Campus.
- Rhode Island is home to the oldest operating carousel in the United States, located at Slater Park in Pawtucket.
- The first automobile parade in America was held in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1899.
- In 1903, Rhode Island hosted its own automobile race, called the Vanderbilt Cup Race.
- Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States, with an area of just 1,214 square miles.
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Rhode Island has a population of approximately 1.06 million people.
- Brown Universityis is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country and is located in Providence, Rhode Island’s capital city.
- North Kingstown, Rhode Island is home to the first operational torpedo factory in the world, which was established in 1869.
- Rhode Island has a strong Jewish community and is home to the Touro Synagogue, which is the oldest synagogue in North America.
- The state also has a rich history with the black community, with Newport, Rhode Island being one of the largest slave-trading ports.
Fun Facts About Rhode Island
- Rhode Island is not an island! It was named by the Dutch explorer Adriaen Block, who thought the area was an island.
- The Rhode Island General Assembly is the oldest legislative body in the United States, dating back to 1636.
- The University of Rhode Island is one of the top public universities in New England and has a beautiful campus located on Narragansett Bay.
- Block Island Ferry is a popular way to get to Block Island, which is known for its beautiful beaches and scenic views. The ferry operates from several locations in Rhode Island.
- The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides transportation throughout the state and operates bus routes that cover over 3,500 miles.
- The Providence Journal is the oldest continuously published daily newspaper in the United States, dating back to 1829.
- Route 4 is a major highway in Rhode Island that connects Providence to the southern part of the state. Route 146 is another important highway that runs through the state.
- Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides bus routes throughout the state, making it easy to get around without a car. RIPTA also offers trolley tours of Providence, the state’s
- Rhode Island was founded by a man named John Clarke, who was seeking religious freedom from the Puritan colonies in Massachusetts.
- The first ever Supreme Court case was held in Newport, Rhode Island in 1783.
- Interstate 95, which runs through the state, is the main highway that connects Boston and New York City.
- Despite its small size, Rhode Island has a significant impact on presidential elections. It has four electoral votes, making it an important swing state during elections.
- One of the most famous Rhode Islanders is DJ Pauly D, known for his role in the hit reality TV show Jersey Shore.
- Rhode Island’s agricultural outputs are diverse, with a focus on dairy products such as milk and cheese. In fact, Rhode Island is home to several award-winning dairy farms.
- Rhode Island is the only state in the country with an official state drink, which is coffee milk.
- The Newport Cliff Walk is a popular attraction in Rhode Island, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and historic mansions along the way.
- Rhode Island was one of the original 13 colonies and played a significant role in the American Revolution, with battles fought in Newport
- Slater Mill, located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is considered the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in America.
- Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams in 1636, who established the colony based on his religious views of freedom and tolerance.
- Despite being a coastal state, Rhode Island has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers.
- The oldest municipal building in America still in continuous operation is located in Providence, Rhode Island. The Old State House was built in 1762 and has served as the state capitol building.
- The Rhode Island Red is a breed of chicken that was developed in the state and is now one of the most popular breeds in the world.
- Rhode Island has more than 400 miles of coastline, making it a popular destination for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts.
- The U.S. Geological Survey’s National Water Quality Laboratory is located in Rhode Island, where scientists conduct research on water quality and monitoring.
- In 1975, a great white shark was caught off the coast of Montauk, New York, and it had a human arm in its stomach.
- Rhode Island is the only state in the United States that does not have an official state flower, bird, or motto.
- The Block Island Sound, located off the coast of Rhode Island, is known for its strong currents and rough waters that have caused many shipwrecks over the years.
- Rhode Island was one of the first 13 colonies to declare independence from Great Britain in 1776.
- In the 17th century, a Dutch explorer named Adrian Block was the first European to explore and map the area that is now Rhode Island.
- Rhode Island was also the first state to abolish the poll tax in 1857, which had previously been used as a way to restrict voting rights for people who could not afford it.
- Samuel Slater’s cotton mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was the first successful water-powered cotton-spinning mill in the United States. This marked the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in America.
- Rhode Island is known as the “Ocean State” because it has over 400 miles of coastline and many beautiful beaches, including Newport Beach and Misquamicut Beach.
- Rhode Island was the first state to declare independence from Great Britain on May 4, 1776.
- HP Lovecraft, a famous author of horror and science fiction stories, was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1890.
- Rhode Island is known as the “Ocean State” because it has over 400 miles of coastline and more than 100 beaches.
- Rhode Island is known as the Ocean State because it has over 400 miles of coastline.
- The official state drink of Rhode Island is coffee milk, a sweetened milk flavored with coffee syrup.
- Rhode Island is the only state in the US to have a water border with another state, Connecticut.
- Conanicut Island, located in Narragansett Bay, has been inhabited for over 3000 years and is home to the historic Beavertail Lighthouse.
- In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Rhode Island was a hub for manufacturing textiles and jewelry, earning it the nickname “the jewelry capital of the world.”
- During the 18th century, Rhode Island was a hotbed for political and religious freedom. It was the first colony to declare independence from Britain in 1776.
- East Providence is home to the Crescent Park Carousel, which was built in 1895 and is one of the oldest carousels in America.
I hope you enjoyed these interesting facts about Rhode Island. Make sure to check out our New York City Facts, or even our quotes about New York.
From the history of King Philip, the Native Americans, and Great Britain. These fun facts about Rhode Island. Because I think these Rhode Island facts are fun and interesting, just look at all the fun facts about me.