Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States. Rhode Island (pronounced "Road Island") is part of the New England region, and was one of the thirteen colonies that revolted against British rule in the American Revolution. Although it is the smalles state in area in the U.S., it has the longest name. The official name of the state is "Rhode Island and Providence Plantations", "Providence Plantations" referring to the mainland portion of the state wich was originally all part of the town of Providence and "Rhode Island" being the island in Narragansett Bay on which Newport is located.

USS Rhode Island was named in honor of this state.

Table of contents

1 History
2 Law and Government
3 Geography
4 Economy
5 Demographics
6 Important Cities and Towns
7 Education

7.1 Colleges and Universities

8 Arts
9 Professional Sports Teams
10 Miscellaneous Information
11 External Links

History

Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams as a place of religious freedom for Baptist settlers. Historically, the land of Rhode Island is unique because it was purchased twice, once from the King of England, and once from the Native American tribes which lived on the land.

On May 18, 1652 Rhode Island passed the first law in North America making slavery illegal.

Charles II of England granted John Clarke a Royal Charter on July 8, 1663 to Rhode Island.

Rhode Island was the last state to ratify the United States Constitution (May 29, 1790) and did so only under the threat of being declared a foreign nation and having its exports taxed. Until 1842, Rhode Island was still governed under its colonial charter, which had very restrictive property qualifications for voting, excluding the bulk of the ever-growing urban population. That year Thomas Dorr drafted a liberal constitution which was passed by popular referendum but which was opposed by the sitting governor Samuel Ward King, leading to the Dorr Rebellion and the adoption of the constitution.

Law and Government

The capital of Rhode Island is Providence and its current governor is Donald Carcieri (Republican). Its two U.S. Senators are Jack Reed (Democrat) and Lincoln Chafee (Republican). Its two U.S. Congressmen are Patrick J. Kennedy (Democrat, District #1) and Jim Langevin (Democrat, District #2). List of Rhode Island Governors.

Geography

See: List of Rhode Island counties

Rhode Island is bordered on the north and east by Massachusetts, on the west by Connecticut, and on the south by Rhode Island Sound and the North Atlantic Ocean. Narragansett Bay is a major feature of the state's topography. Block Island lies off the southern coast.