Rhode Island Info
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Capital
City: Providence
Economy: Manufacturing,
tourism, health-care services, electronics, fishing, boat-building.
Language Description:
English
Population: 987,429
Religion: Christian
(Roman Catholic, Protestant), though other major religions are represented.
Time Zone: 5
hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-5 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is
observed from the beginning of April to the end of October
Rhode Island's
Flag: Placed on a white field is a circle of thirteen
gold stars representing the first thirteen states. The stars surround
a gold ship's anchor. The states motto " Hope" is on a blue
ribbon below the anchor.
History
of Rhode Island: From its beginnings, Rhode Island
has been distinguished by its support for freedom of conscience and
action, started by Roger Williams, who was exiled by the Massachusetts
Bay Colony Puritans in 1636, and was the founder of the present state
capital, Providence. Williams was followed by other religious exiles
who founded Pocasset, now Portsmouth, in 1638 and Newport in 1639.
Rhode Island's rebellious, authority-defying nature was further demonstrated
by the burnings of the British revenue cutters Liberty and Gaspee
prior to the Revolution, by its early declaration of independence
from Great Britain in May 1776, its refusal to participate actively
in the War of 1812, and by Dorr's Rebellion of 1842, which protested
property requirements for voting. Rhode Island, smallest of the fifty
states, is densely populated and highly industrialized. It is a primary
center for jewelry manufacturing in the U.S. Electronics, metal, plastic
products, and boat and ship construction are other important industries.
Non-manufacturing employment includes research in health, medicine,
and the ocean environment. Providence is a wholesale distribution
center for New England. Two of New England's fishing ports are at
Galilee and Newport. Rural areas of the state support small-scale
farming, including grapes for local wineries, turf grass, and nursery
stock. Tourism is one of Rhode Island's largest industries, generating
over a billion dollars a year in revenue. Newport became famous as
the summer capital of society in the mid–19th century. Touro
Synagogue (1763) is the oldest in the U.S. Other points of interest
include the Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence, Samuel
Slater's Mill in Pawtucket, the General Nathanael Greene Homestead
in Coventry, and Block Island.
Other Rhode Island Links:
General
Rhode Island Municipality Information
Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation
Rhode Island Economic Policy Council
Rhode Island State Library
Visit Rhode Island |
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