Rhode Island shares a state water border with New York. 39. Apparently Providence has had a problem with risqué outfits in the past, as now it’s against the law to wear see-through clothing. Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge in Foster is the only remaining covered bridge in Rhode Island. It was held at the Newport Casino. 11 Awesome Facts You Never Knew About Rhode Island. Newport may be home to the oldest standing building in America, the Viking Tower in Truro Park, with some estimates pulling its construction at 1120 AD. It originates in the same state but is a different breed. Rhode Island shores are publically owned. Rhode Island founder Roger Williams established the First Baptist Church in America in 1638. Brown University was named after Rhode Islander Nicholas Brown, one of the key leaders in ratifying the Constitution. Here are some interesting facts about Rhode Island. 4. Some interesting facts about Rhode Island are that it was the last of the thirteen colonies to become a state. Fun Facts Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, established the first working model of democracy. 13. 2. It is illegal to challenge or accept a duel in the state. Rhode Island was the first place in the United States to … 8. In terms of GDP, the largest industries after healthcare are tourism and manufacturin… Built in 1763 the synagogue houses the oldest torah in North America. Rated 0 points - posted 5 years ago by TracyMcClellan in category United States. The big Kodiak sculpture in Providence known as “Indomitable” is 11 feet tall and weighs more than three tons. It covers an area of 1,214 square miles. Interesting Facts About Rhode Island. Rhode Island has the longest official name of any state, the “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.” In... 2. In Scituate, you'll get a ticket for driving with a beer in your car, even if it isn't open. 57 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Rhode Island 1. Blake Rodgers of Cranston, R.I. once held the record for most high-fives in a 24-hour period, able to get 3,131 at the Dunkin’ Donuts center. It helps that they’ve got one nighttime hangout for every 500-or-so residents. The event occurred in 1895. It is illegal to challenge or accept a duel in the state. Fore! It was donated to the people of the state by the United States Treasury Department in 1950, when Harry S. Truman was president. You’ll get ticketed in Scituate for driving with beer in your car, even if it’s not open. Rhode Island Red Monument in Adamsville pays homage to the world-famous poultry breed. They did the only rational thing. Next time you’re in Exeter, visit the graveyard to check out the grave of a suspected vampire, Mercy Brown. Approximately 2,500 students from around the world are engaged in liberal arts studies and rigorous, studio-based learning at RISD (pronounced “RIZ-dee”), where they earn bachelor’s or master’s degrees in 22 majors. Cumberlandite is the official state rock. There is also a Rhode Island White. Impress locals with these fun facts. Buying your kid a toy gun? It is dark brown or black with white markings and found on both sides of Narragansett Bay but not north of Cumberland. It covers an area of 1,214 square miles. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the union. 34. Unfortunately for weekend warriors, it’s only a fine for unnecessary work that’s done, and it’s only a maximum of $10. Much of what's noteworthy is happening in the state's capital, Providence, which offers everything from a fascinating to electric nightlife. Rhode Island was also the first state to make its anti-slavery stance official, passing laws as early as 1652. 11. The Crescent Park Carousel in East Providence is the official state symbol of folk art. With the defendant flying along at and absurd 15 miles per hour, Rhode Island Judge Darius Baker was the first person to jail a person for speeding in 1904. 49. They’ll pull you over and ticket you if they think you’re preparing for a race. 14. Thank Governor Ambrose Burnside for the popularity of the sideburn. Click on up and down arrows to affect item's ranking Add item. Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, established the first practical working model of Democracy after he was banished from Plymouth, Massachusetts because of his "extreme views" concerning freedom of speech and religion. Its distances North to South are 48 miles and East to West 37 miles. The breed was first created as a result of selective breeding. —Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United … 5. 15 Restaurants In Rhode Island That Will Blow Your Mind, 23 Words That Are Interpreted Entirely Differently In Rhode Island, These Are The 10 Best Places To Live In Rhode Island, 28 Things People From Rhode Island Have Explain To Out-Of-Towners, Moving To Rhode Island: 20 Things You Need To Know First. They burned the heart and fed the ashes to her sick brother. 44. The Rhode Island colony was founded on present-day Aquidneck Island, the largest island in Narragansett Bay. It is such a realistic copy that is even has a crack similar to the original Liberty Bell. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams publicly acknowledged Roger Williams, as the originator of the concepts and principles reflected in The First Amendment. Providence for the Holidays. Still, it’s the second most densely populated state (most people per square mile) behind New Jersey. Rhode Island is the smallest state in size in the United States. 35. Judge Darius Baker imposed the first jail sentence for speeding in an automobile on August 28, 1904 in Newport. 37. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams publicly praised Williams as the inspiration behind the First Amendment. The Quonset hut was invented at Quonset Point a key naval reserve base. He was kicked out of Plymouth, Massachusetts for having “extreme views” about freedom of speech and freedom of religion. 47. Fun facts & trivia . New England's oldest Masonic Temple in Warren was built in the 18th century with timbers from British frigates sunk in Newport Harbor during the Revolutionary War. Rhode Island Is Named After A Greek Island. The first torpedo boat "Stiletto" was built in Bristol in 1887. They are also known for being superb layers though. Both the first Baptist church and the first synagogue to be built in America were built in Rhode Island. The Redwood Library and Athenaeum in Newport is the United States' oldest library building. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and that it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Adult hens and roosters are large birds, hens are usually around 6.5 lbs and roosters tip the scales around 8.5lbs. It’s high in iron and titanium and very magnetic, often mistaken for debris from a meteor. These are the some of the most interesting facts about the island. Its distances North to South are 48 miles and East to West 37 miles. The only nuclear explosion to ever happen in the U.S. outside of a controlled environment happened in Wood River, R.I. in 1964 when a worker at United Nuclear Corporation Recovery Systems mistakenly put too much uranium solution in a tank, resulting in an explosion as well as their death. The church is best known as the site of the wedding of Jacqueline Bouvier to John Fitzgerald Kennedy in 1953. 2. 4. It's illegal to sell toothpaste and a toothbrush to the same Providence resident on a Sunday. It covers an area of 1,214 square miles. Visit our General U.S. forum. In 1774, Newport became home to the country’s first official circus performance. The existing structure was built in 1775. 21. Rhode Island has no county government. In 1993, the official drink of Rhode Island became Coffee Milk. 1. Here are some interesting facts about Rhode Island. Nine Men's Misery monument in Cumberland is the oldest known monument to veterans in the United States. Greenland, which is the world's largest island, is a continental island because it is part of North America's continent. Think twice before you take your favorite horse out on 95. Block Island has its very own ghost ship, which has haunted islanders ever since a deadly wreck there in 1738. The only nuclear explosion to ever happen in the U.S. outside of a controlled environment happened in Wood River, R.I. 2. 40. Nearly one tenth of Rhode Island's inland area is covered by salt water, in Rhode Island you are never far from the coast. Though the sport never grew to huge popularity among Americans, the first American outdoor polo match was held in Rhode Island in 1876. And you thought this was a free country, sheesh! Rhode Island is just 48 miles from North to South and 37 miles from east to west. The first U.S. National Championship was also held in Rhode Island in 1881 at the Newport casino. 14. Calendar of Events. Settled in 1642 Pawtuxet Village in Warwick lays claim to being New England’s oldest village. It was opened in 1643 by Thomas Harris. The state is best known for its scenic shores and seaside colonial towns, and it’s a popular destination for sailing, surfing, and fishing. Rhode Island is the smallest US State in geographical area. Officially named as the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Rhode Island is one of the New England states in the northeastern US. Providence was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, who was forced to flee the Massachusetts Bay Colony because of religious persecution. 13. 38. Interesting Rhode Island Colony Facts: The Rhode Island Colony was founded by those who wanted to escape the lack of religious tolerance found in the other New England colonies. Julia Ward Howe, author of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic", attended this church. Each year more than 5,800 children and adults also access our specialized studio facilities through RISD|CE courses. Copyright © 2005 - 2021 Movoto, Inc. All rights reserved. It will not come as much of a surprise that the Rhode Island Red is named after the state of Rhode Island where it was first developed. It is about 3-1/2 feet tall and the diameter of the bell at its widest part is approximately 3-1/2 feet. WaterFire. 8 Californians Tried To Pronounce Rhode Island City Names. Rhode Islanders were the first to take military action against England by sinking one of her ships in the Narragansett Bay located between Newport and Providence. It was filled with rivers and trees. 42. Cost Of Living In Rhode Island: How Does It Stack Up To The Average Salary? They are one of the best egg-laying breeds producing anywhere between 250-300 medium to large-sized light brown eggs per year. The state’s full, unabbreviated name, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, is the longest state name. —Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States—only 1,034 square miles. Greene ultimately defeated Cornwallis. Potato Head was named as the official “family-travel ambassador” of Rhode Island in 2000. 56. 18. Other large employers include local universities like Brown University. Trailblazing Women in Rhode Island History Things To Do Lippitt Labs History 10 Interesting Facts About Black History Month in Rhode Island In This Section. 41. It's a big blue termite, 58 feet long and 928 times actual termite size. Pelham Street in Newport was the first gas lit street in America. Cornwallis feared Greene and his forces most. 15. Attractions. Facts about Rhode Island Colony 1: the European settlement. Over 400 Rhode Islands can fit inside of Alaska, and almost 4,000 can fit in America. Rhode Island might be small, but with so many locally sourced ingredients, their cuisine packs quite the punch. Impress locals with these fun facts. It’s still an annual event today, making it America’s oldest tennis tourney. In recent times, tourism in the country has skyrocketed and the reason is not far-fetched. At four letters, Rhode Island’s state motto, “Hope,” is shorter than any other state motto. It is divided into 39 municipalities each having its own form of local government. George M. Cohan was born in Providence in 1878. Its founder Roger Williams was a former colonist and religious exile from the Massachusetts Colony, where religious tolerance did not exist among the Puritans. 52. Providence was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, who was forced to flee the Massachusetts Bay Colony because of religious persecution. 11. Rhode Island is only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long. Big in character. Rhode Island is a northeastern U.S. state that is the smallest in area and the eighth smallest in population. Fried clam cakes, clam chowder, steamers (steamed clams), and stuffed clams are favorite snacks. The tower was built in 1904 as part of the last will and testament of Caroline Cogswell. If you’re neighbor gets caught having more than 11 permanent vehicles in front of their house, it’s a misdemeanor. Though Ron Wallace’s 2,009-pound pumpkin was topped by some Californian’s this year, there’s no doubt Rhode Island will soon be back on top. It’s said a carnivorous tree digested the decomposing body of Rhode Island founder Roger Williams. Mini in size. You’ll get fined if you throw pickle juice on a trolley in Rhode Island. Built in 1880 Channing Memorial Church was named for William Ellery Channing, a leader in the Unitarian Church and the abolitionist movement. The Dutch was the first European who settled in Rhode Island. It is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Rhode Island shares … Rhode Island is named after Rhodes, a small Greek island off the southwest tip of Turkey. Since 1785 Bristol has the longest running, unbroken series of 4th of July Independence Day observances in the country. It makes sense with the Hasbro headquarters located in Pawtucket. More Rhode Island History Firsts & State Facts. Rhode Island has more shipwrecks per square mile than any other state. Named “Nibbles Woodaway”, this creature waits for his next feast of wood chips on top of the big blue bug pest control building. Unfortunately he was beaten by an Australian who received 14,607 in the same time. It covers an area of 1,214 square miles. 2. Members of the congregation were the models for the paintings. 32. It's illegal to sell toothpaste and a toothbrush to the same Providence resident on a Sunday. Rhode Island Facts and Trivia Rhode Island is the smallest state in size in the United States. Fashioned after the Sistine Chapel, Woonsocket’s St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church is home to one of the largest fresco collections in North America. The White Horse Tavern was built in 1673 and is the oldest operating tavern in the United States. Although Rhode Island is the smallest, it is one of the most densely populated states. Interesting Facts About Rhode Island • Roger Williams founded the first Baptist Church in Providence in 1638. 54. He wrote, "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy," "You're a Grand Old Flag," and a wide variety of other musical entertainment. The Industrial Revolution began in Rhode Island after Samuel Slater developed and constructed the first ever water-powered cotton mill in … The famous songs “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and “ You’re A Grand Old Flag” were written by Rhode Islander George M. Cohan. It is notable that its shoreline on Narragansett Bay in the Atlantic Ocean runs for 400 miles. In Scituate, you'll get a ticket for driving with a beer in your car, even if it isn't open. Next time you pay with a dollar bill, remember that Rhode Islander Gilbert Stuart was the artist behind the George Washington portrait featured on the bill. He was also the first toy to be advertised on television. 24. Warwick enjoys a reputation of being Rhode Island’s Retail Capital. Some... 3. In Newport, it’s illegal to smoke a pipe after sunset. The era know as The Industrial Revolution started in Rhode Island with the development and construction in 1790 of Samuel Slater's water-powered cotton mill in Pawtucket. Rhode Island Fun Facts. Though second in command to George Washington, Nathanael Greene, a Rhode Islander, is acknowledged by many historians as having been the most capable and significant General of the Revolutionary effort. 12. The first Afro-American regiment to fight for America made a gallant stand against the British in the Battle of Rhode Island. 15. 31. Pelham Street in Newport was the first street in the country to use gas-illuminated streetlights. For some odd reason, it’s illegal to sell both toothpaste and a toothbrush to the same Providence resident on Sundays. Rhode Island was one of a few states to not approve Prohibition. 53. Rhode Island is only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long. 1. 25. 10. Listen online... More Rhode Island History from the Rhode Island Office of the Secretary of State. Glendale claims to be home to the world’s oldest penny arcade, with some games dating back to the 1920s, still operating at their original price. 45. Rhode Island was the last of the original thirteen colonies to become a state. According to legend, a local mass grave contains their bodies. The White Horse Tavern was built in 1673 and is the oldest operating tavern in the United States. The state was home to the first open golf tournament. Fun Fact. 15. Some say the passengers and crew seek revenge against locals who failed to help them as the boat went down. The first circus in the United States was in Newport in 1774. Polo was played for the first time in the United States in 1876 near Newport. Potato Head is the official “family travel ambassador” of Rhode Island. Rhode Island shares a state water border with New York. 16. Rhode Island ranks 43rd on the list of most populated states, but for an area that is no more than 48 miles long and 37 miles wide it has plenty going on. Bonus fact: Mr. Rhode Island's official name is actually Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Rhode Island is the smallest state in size in the United States. Cumberland is the only place on earth that cumberlandite has been found. Rhode Islanders are great at growing pumpkins, setting and resetting the world record for the largest pumpkin several times in the last decade. Facts about Colonial Rhode Island present the information about the colony established Roger Williams in 1636 at Providence. 28. Providence is the state capital and most populous city in Rhode Island. Tell us in the comments below! Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States. 10 Facts about Rhode Island Colony. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States in terms of total area with 3,144 square kilometers (1,214 square miles). The Touro Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in North America. 51. Providence Attractions. Rated 0 points - posted 5 years ago by TracyMcClellan in category United States. 29. Rhode Island ranks 43rd on the list of most populated states, but for an area that is no more than 48 miles long and 37 miles wide it has plenty going on. 19. Warwick Attractions. Much of what's noteworthy is happening in the state's capital, Providence, which offers everything from a fascinating history, to electric nightlife, arts and culture, and fun family activities. Standing 11 feet tall and 278 feet above ground the Independent Man is a gold-covered, bronze statue placed atop the State House on December 18, 1899. 48. Among those principles were freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of public assembly. At 812 feet (247.498 m) above sea level, Jerimoth Hill is the state's highest point. Rhode Island never ratified the 18th Amendment prohibition. It is only 1,214 square miles. Behind only St. Peter’s Basilica, the Minnesota state capital, and the Taj Mahal, the Rhode Island State House is home to the fourth largest self-supporting dome in the entire world. Rhode Island has more shipwrecks per square mile than any other state. This island located in the Southern part of the Aegean Sea has been in existence since Stone Age. 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