Rhode Island Details

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States. It is located in the New England region, bordered by Massachusetts to the north and east, the Atlantic Ocean to the south and Connecticut to the west. This state has a total land area of 1,045 sq mi. (2,706 sq km) and five counties. This state has a total population of 1,050,788 (2008 estimate).

The name Rhode Island originated from the Greek Island of Rhodes. It was named Rhoodt Eylandt which means “red islands” in reference to the red clay that lines its shores. This state is also called the Ocean State. It became the 13th member of the confederate in May 29, 1790.

Rhode Island is noted for its support for freedom of conscience and action. It declared independence from Great Britain in May 1776 and refused to participate actively in the War of 1812. Rhode Island also fought against property requirements for voting.

Rhode Island is a densely populated and highly urbanized state. It takes pride being the center for jewelry manufacturing in the United States. Rhode Island also boasts of industries that produce electronics, metal, plastic products and boat and ship construction. This state also provides non-manufacturing employment in different fields such as health, medicine and ocean environment.

Major tourist attractions in Rhode Island include Newport, famous as the summer capital of high society in the mid-19th century and the Touro Synagogue (1763) which 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.

The state capital and the largest city of Rhode Island is Providence which has an estimated population of 171,557 as of 2008.

Residents of this state are called Rhode Islander. Its official name is The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.