About Rhode Island

One of the thirteen original colonies, Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams in 1636 and became a state on May 29, 1790. Today, Rhode Island is a diverse state with a fascinating history and a bright future.

Rhode Island has always been a refuge for freethinkers and independent-minded people. It was the first colony to guarantee all its citizens freedom of worship. It was also the first American colony to declare independence from British rule and passed the first law in North America outlawing slavery.

Although Rhode Island is geographically the smallest state in the nation, it is 43rd in population, with over 1,076,189 residents. And despite its compact size, the "Ocean State" is famous for its 400 miles of breathtakingly beautiful shoreline.

Rhode Island is made up of 39 cities and towns, located within five counties. The state also has two congressional districts.

The capital of Rhode Island is Providence. With over 175,000 residents, Providence is the second largest city in New England. Providence's metropolitan population is estimated to be over 1.6 million, making it the 34th largest metro area in the country.

Rhode Island is especially well known for its historic seaside communities and quaint harbor towns, like Bristol, Newport, and Jamestown. The Blackstone Valley, home of Samuel Slater's Mill, is famous for being the "Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution." Just a short ferry ride away, scenic Block Island has been called "one of the last great places on Earth" by the Nature Conservancy.

Tomorrow's leaders and innovators are being trained today at Rhode Island's many outstanding institutions of higher learning. Rhode Island also has a rich agricultural heritage and is home to many culturally significant family farms.

From its bustling, historic cities like Cranston, Pawtucket and Providence, to the beautiful rolling countryside and scenic coast of South County, Rhode Island has something for everyone.

I invite you to explore this site and discover more about Rhode Island's unique cultural heritage, spectacular natural beauty, and warm and friendly people.

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

Visit Rhode Island
The official state visitor's guide to Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Symbols
Facts and pictures of Rhode Island's official state symbols.

Rhode Island History
Rhode Island's Secretary of State maintains information about the state's history, geography, climate, government, economy, and famous 'firsts'.

The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation
Learn more about Rhode Island's people, places, and economy. The RIEDC provides the latest in maps, stats, and data analysis.

News Links
Links to Rhode Island's breaking news, weather, sports, and more.

Rhode Islanders in the U.S. Senate
A chronological listing of every Rhode Islander who has served our state in the U.S. Senate.

Rhode Island State Government
Links to state and local government resources.

Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation

Rhode Island has two U.S. Senators and two Congressional districts.

U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse

U.S. Representative Patrick J. Kennedy, Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District

U.S. Representative Jim Langevin, Rhode Island's 2nd Congressional District