The story of Providence, Rhode Island is a tale of firsts. The city is not only one of the oldest in the U.S, it was also the first to industrialize in the U.S. Here are three things to know about the history of Providence, Rhode Island.

Oldest Cities in the United States

Providence was first settled in 1636 by Puritan theologian Roger Williams. 

But prior to the city’s settlement, Williams proved to be a gadfly of his time, advocating for important measures like the separation of church and state and even condemned colonists who stole land from Native Americans. These opinions were ultimately seen as dangerous and soon Williams was convicted of sedition and heresy.

Eventually Williams and others would travel to the confluence of the Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket rivers. Here he established the new city, which he named in honor of “God’s merciful Providence,” which he credited for helping the group find the land.t

First in the Revolution 

Another time Providence was first was at the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. Rhode Island was the first of the Thirteen Colonies to renounce its alliance with Britain. 

Last to Sign

However, there was one important time when Rhode Island was last. When the Thirteen Colonies moved to ratify the United States Constitution in 1790, Rhode Island was the final colony to sign. Why? Because the colony wouldn’t agree to the Constitution until it was assured that the Bill of Rights would be made a permanent part of the Constitution.

A Short History of Emblem 125’s hometown: Providence, Rhode Island

The story of Providence, Rhode Island is a tale of firsts. The city is not only one of the oldest in the U.S, it was also the first to industrialize in the U.S. Here are three things to know about the history of Providence, Rhode Island.

Oldest Cities in the United States

Providence was first settled in 1636 by Puritan theologian Roger Williams. 

But prior to the city’s settlement, Williams proved to be a gadfly of his time, advocating for important measures like the separation of church and state and even condemned colonists who stole land from Native Americans. These opinions were ultimately seen as dangerous and soon Williams was convicted of sedition and heresy.

Eventually Williams and others would travel to the confluence of the Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket rivers. Here he established the new city, which he named in honor of “God’s merciful Providence,” which he credited for helping the group find the land.t

First in the Revolution 

Another time Providence was first was at the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. Rhode Island was the first of the Thirteen Colonies to renounce its alliance with Britain. 

Last to Sign

However, there was one important time when Rhode Island was last. When the Thirteen Colonies moved to ratify the United States Constitution in 1790, Rhode Island was the final colony to sign. Why? Because the colony wouldn’t agree to the Constitution until it was assured that the Bill of Rights would be made a permanent part of the Constitution.