Difference between revisions of "Rhode Island"
(added navbox) |
m (→Notable Rhode Islanders) |
||
Line 28: | Line 28: | ||
*[[Gilbert Stuart]] | *[[Gilbert Stuart]] | ||
*[[Roger Williams]] | *[[Roger Williams]] | ||
+ | *[[Owen Thomas]], early patriot | ||
== References == | == References == |
Revision as of 15:55, August 1, 2007
Rhode Island is the smallest U.S. state in land area (48 miles long by 37 miles wide[1]) and one of the original thirteen colonies. Its area is 1,214 square miles, less than one-seventh the size of New Jersey.
Its official name is actually "Rhode Island and Providence Plantations." So, even though it is the smallest state in the United States, it has the longest name.
Providence, the capital of Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams. It was the first government in the world to be founded on the principles of religious liberty, and separation of church and state. This was very different from the situation in Boston, which was ruled by the Puritan theocracy. Quakers, for example, were welcome in Rhode Island but not permitted in Boston (for example, a Quaker named Mary Dyer was put to death in Boston for preaching Quakerism).
Interesting facts about Rhode Island
- Rhode Island is the only state that still celebrates Victory Day (victory over Japan)[2].
- Rhode Island was the first of the original thirteen colonies to declare its independence from Great Britain
- Rhode Island was the first state to outlaw slavery.
- The first Baptist Church in America was founded in 1671 Providence, Rhode Island.
- The two state capitals in the United States that are the closest to each other are Providence, Rhode Island and Boston, Massachusetts (42 miles; 50 miles by highway).
- According to a report by the Communications Workers of America, Rhode Island has the fastest average broadband speed of any state[3].
Notable Rhode Islanders
- Nathaniel Greene
- Esek Hopkins
- Oliver Hazard Perry
- Samuel Slater
- Gilbert Stuart
- Roger Williams
- Owen Thomas, early patriot
References
- ↑ http://www.visitrhodeisland.com/regions/index.aspx
- ↑ http://www.sec.state.ri.us/library/riinfo/riinfo/knowrhode
- ↑ http://www.projo.com/business/content/bz_rhode_island_internet_speeds_07-06-07_NF6765T.2677fa3.html
|