What is colonial Rhode Island known for?

Answer 1

Roger Williams, "Torchbearer of Religious Freedom," founded Rhode Island in 1636. This happened because of his strong beliefs that the Indians should be paid for the lands that were taken by the colonists.

Also, when it came to religion, he spoke on the need to keep his church free from evil influence-especially in the contact with the government. A Puritan minister, and pastor of the church of Salem, Williams was banished from the colony of Massachusetts, and in 1635, Williams fled with a few friends south to the Narragansett country. The following spring his Salem congregation joined him.

Rhode Island was the only colony that recognized the term, "Freedom of Religion." There were no laws on religion and no interference with the government. New immigrants such as Jews and Quakers settled in Rhode Island. These two groups were discriminated back in England. Since they were prohibited from entering the universities or public service in England, they usually went into the field of commerce. Settling in Newport, they soon turned the city into a thriving commercial center.

The early 1700's, was a period of great prosperity in Rhode Island. The fertile coastal regions and the islands in Narragansett Bay made excellent farm and grazing land. Many Rhode Islanders developed large plantations somewhat like those of the South. Slaves worked land and took care of cattle, horses, and sheep. The plantations also produced great quantities of cheese. Plantation owners developed a fine breed of saddle horse called the Narragansett Pacer.

During the 1700's, Newport merchants owned large fleets of ships. These vessels were used to export plantation products to the other English colonies in America and to the West Indies. The plantation owners and merchants increased their profits by investing in the rum trade and the African slave trade. In spite of the profitable slave trade, Rhode Island was the first colony to prohibit the importation of slaves. It did so in 1774.

Rhode Island declared its independence from England in 1776.

Rhode Island became a colony on May 17, 1790, founded by R Williams.

Answer 2

You will find many facts here: http://www.ri.gov/

Answer 3

Colonial Rhode Island had the first Baptist Church in the U.S.

Answer 4

It is the smallest US State and has the longest name of any US State.

Answer 5

They allowed religious freedom to all who lived there.

Answer 6

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