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RIRhode Island History
Rhode Island at a glance
Rhode Island was admitted to the Union on 1790, making it the 13th state. As one of the original 13 colonies, Rhode Island was a founding member of the United States. Its capital Providence has been the seat of state government for most of the state's history.
Native peoples
For thousands of years before European contact, Indigenous peoples lived across what is now Rhode Island. Multiple distinct cultures developed in response to the region's geography — coastal peoples, plains peoples, river-valley peoples, mountain peoples — each with their own languages, governance, and trade networks. European colonization disrupted these civilizations dramatically, often through disease, displacement, and forced removal. Today, Rhode Island's Native heritage is preserved in place names, tribal nations within state borders, and ongoing cultural practices.
Colonial era and Revolution
As one of the 13 original colonies, Rhode Island was central to the founding of the United States. British colonization of the region began in the 17th century. By the 1770s, colonial assemblies were resisting British taxation policies, and Rhode Island sent delegates to the Continental Congress that declared independence in 1776. Rhode Island fought in the Revolutionary War alongside the other 12 colonies and ratified the US Constitution between 1787 and 1790, depending on the specific date.
Path to statehood
The path from European exploration to statehood typically took decades. Rhode Island was already an established colony when the US declared independence in 1776, becoming a state with the ratification of the US Constitution by 1790.
The modern era
Today Rhode Island has a population of 1 to 5 million and is one of the smallest states in the country. The capital is Providence; the largest city is Providence. The political lean has shifted over time and now leans reliably Democratic.
Key historical sites in Rhode Island
Rhode Island preserves its history through state parks, national monuments, historic districts, and museums. Battlefields, colonial towns, mission sites, Native American heritage areas, and Civil Rights landmarks (where applicable) anchor the state's heritage tourism. Visit the state's official tourism site for a current list.
Bordering states
Rhode Island shares borders with 2 other US states.
Learn US history through daily puzzles
Statedoku uses statehood era, Confederate or Union role, and admission years as recurring constraints. After a month of daily play, you'll know exactly when and how each state joined the Union.
Play today's puzzle →Common questions about Rhode Island history
When did Rhode Island become a state?
Rhode Island became a state in 1790, making it the 13th state admitted to the Union. It was one of the 13 original colonies.
Was Rhode Island part of the Confederacy?
No, Rhode Island was a Union state during the Civil War.
Was Rhode Island part of the Louisiana Purchase?
No.
Did Spain or France colonize Rhode Island?
Rhode Island was primarily under British colonial influence.
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