Rhode Island
Ocean State · Capital: Providence · Northeast (New England)
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Bordering states: Connecticut, Massachusetts.
About Rhode Island
Rhode Island, the smallest state, measures about 48 miles north to south and 37 miles east to west, with land borders only with Connecticut and Massachusetts. Narragansett Bay, a river valley flooded by the sea after the ice age, covers about 147 square miles and holds more than thirty islands, so the tidal shoreline runs to about 384 miles against 40 miles of open ocean coast. The name belongs to Aquidneck Island, home of Newport. Glaciers left Block Island, a terminal moraine about 13 miles offshore, and the salt ponds of the south shore. Jerimoth Hill in Foster, 811 feet, is the high point.
Roger Williams, banished from Massachusetts Bay in 1635, founded Providence in 1636, and other exiles settled Portsmouth, Newport and Warwick. The Royal Charter of 1663 granted full religious liberty with no established church, and Newport's Touro Synagogue, finished in 1763, is the oldest synagogue building still standing in the country. Newport and Bristol merchants also sent out most of the slaving voyages from North America. Rhode Island renounced allegiance to George III on May 4, 1776, yet it was the last of the thirteen to ratify the Constitution, on May 29, 1790, by 34 votes to 32. That December Samuel Slater began water-powered cotton spinning at Pawtucket.
The 2020 census counted 1,097,379 Rhode Islanders, up 4.3% since 2010; at about 1,061 people per square mile it was the second most densely populated state. Providence is the capital and largest city. French Canadian, Italian, Portuguese and Cape Verdean workers once filled the mill villages, and the Navy became a major employer until a 1973 withdrawal cost thousands of jobs. In November 2020 voters dropped the words and Providence Plantations from the official name. Notable Rhode Islanders include Gilbert Stuart, whose portrait of George Washington appears on the one dollar bill, and the writer H. P. Lovecraft. The official state drink is coffee milk.
4 fun facts about Rhode Island
- The smallest US state, you can drive across it in under 45 minutes.
- Until 2020 the official name was "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations"; voters then shortened it.
- Despite being the smallest state, Rhode Island has about 400 miles of coastline.
- Touro Synagogue in Newport, dedicated in 1763, is the oldest synagogue building in the US.
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Frequently asked questions about Rhode Island
Is Rhode Island a US state?
Yes, Rhode Island is one of the 50 US states. It was admitted to the Union in 1790, making it the 13th state. Its capital is Providence and its largest city is Providence.
What is the capital of Rhode Island?
The capital of Rhode Island is Providence.
When did Rhode Island become a state?
Rhode Island became a US state in 1790. It is the 13th state admitted to the Union.
What is the abbreviation for Rhode Island?
The 2-letter USPS abbreviation for Rhode Island is RI.
How big is Rhode Island?
Rhode Island ranks #50 of 50 US states by area. With 1061.4 residents per square mile in 2020, it was the 2nd most densely populated state.
What is the population of Rhode Island?
Rhode Island had 1,097,379 residents at the 2020 census, the 43rd largest population of the 50 states, up 4.3% since 2010. That count gives it 2 seats in the US House of Representatives.
What region is Rhode Island in?
Rhode Island is in the Northeast region of the United States, per the US Census Bureau.
What time zone is Rhode Island in?
Rhode Island observes Eastern Time.
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How to learn the 50 states (full guide)
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