How to Research the History of Rhode Island

Rhode Island is known as The Ocean State and became the 13th state to join the Union on May 29, 1790. This state will be of interest to students of American history due to its authority-defying nature as evidenced by its early declaration of independence from England in May of 1776. The following steps will aid in your search for information about this state.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet
• Books about the states
• Books about American history

1. Search history websites and books to learn about the best-known aspect of Rhode Island--its status as the smallest state in the Union. Make sure to look for facts about Rhode Island's history as a territory and state.
2. Read up on the origin of Rhode Island's name as derived from the Greek Isle of Rhodes. Also make sure to look for facts about Roger Williams, who was exiled from the Massachusetts Bay Colony and founded Providence in 1636.
3. Look for information about how Williams was soon joined by other religious exiles who founded Portsmouth in 1638. William Coddington founded Newport in 1639 and Samuel Gorton founded Warwick in 1643. Study how Rhode Island also provided protection to the Quakers in 1657 and the Jews 1658.
4. Study how Samuel Slater built the first cotton-textile mill in the United States here and how Rhode Island rapidly became industrialized thanks to the abundance of water power. Rhode Island's economy was dominated by mills until the 20th century.
5. Research Rhode Island's economy to see that the largest industry is health services. Tourism is the next largest industry with sales topping $3.26 billion in 2000. The third largest industry is manufacturing, including boats, electronics and jewelry.