Providence, Rhode Island

Founded on Religious Freedom!

Providence has an AMAZING founding story! In 1636, a man named Roger Williams was kicked out of Massachusetts because his religious beliefs were different. He believed in religious freedom - that everyone should be able to worship however they wanted! He traveled south and founded Providence as a place where EVERYONE was welcome, no matter their religion. This made Providence one of the FIRST places in America with true religious freedom!

Smallest State, BIG History!

Providence is the capital of Rhode Island - the SMALLEST state in America! Rhode Island is only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long - you could drive across the whole state in less than an hour! But don't let the small size fool you - Rhode Island played a HUGE role in American history! It was one of the original 13 colonies and was the FIRST colony to declare independence from Britain!

Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution!

Here's something SUPER cool: Providence and Rhode Island were the birthplace of America's Industrial Revolution! In 1790, a man named Samuel Slater built the first water-powered cotton mill in nearby Pawtucket. This was the FIRST successful textile factory in America! Soon, Rhode Island had hundreds of mills making textiles, jewelry, and metal products. Providence became rich from manufacturing!

College Hill and Ivy League!

Providence is home to Brown University - one of the eight IVY LEAGUE schools! Founded in 1764, Brown is one of the oldest universities in America. The East Side of Providence, called "College Hill," has beautiful historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and stunning architecture from the 1700s and 1800s. Walking through College Hill feels like stepping back in time!

The Creative Capital!

Providence calls itself "The Creative Capital" because it's PACKED with artists, designers, and creative people! The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD - pronounced "RIZ-dee") is one of the TOP art and design schools in the world! Students come from everywhere to study here. The city has amazing art galleries, cool murals on buildings, and the RISD Museum with incredible art collections!

WaterFire Magic!

Providence has one of the COOLEST art installations in America called WaterFire! On special nights throughout the year, artists light nearly 100 bonfires in metal braziers floating in the three rivers that run through downtown! Music plays, boats glide past the fires, and thousands of people walk along the riverbanks. The combination of fire, water, music, and architecture creates a MAGICAL atmosphere!

Ocean State Capital!

Rhode Island's nickname is "The Ocean State" - and for good reason! Even though Providence is a bit inland, Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean are super close! You can drive 20-30 minutes and be at beautiful beaches with ocean views! Newport (famous for its mansions!) is just 30 miles away. The whole state has over 400 miles of coastline - that's A LOT for such a small state!

Little Italy & Federal Hill!

Providence has one of the BEST Little Italy neighborhoods in America! Federal Hill is packed with amazing Italian restaurants, bakeries, and specialty food shops. Walking down Atwells Avenue, you'll see Italian flags, smell fresh bread and pizza, and hear Italian music! The neighborhood has a beautiful arch entrance with a pinecone on top (symbol of hospitality!). The food here is INCREDIBLE!

Beautiful State House!

Rhode Island's State House has one of the LARGEST self-supporting marble domes in the world! Built from 1895-1904, the building is absolutely gorgeous with white Georgia marble. The dome is the fourth-largest self-supporting marble dome in the world (after St. Peter's Basilica, the Minnesota State Capitol, and the Taj Mahal!). On top sits a statue called "Independent Man" - representing Rhode Island's independent spirit!

TV Fame!

Providence became famous on TV! The show "Family Guy" is set in Quahog, Rhode Island (a made-up town, but based on Rhode Island!). The creator, Seth MacFarlane, went to RISD! Also, the TV show "Providence" ran for five seasons in the late 1990s-early 2000s and showed off the city's beauty!

Food Paradise!

Providence has an AMAZING food scene! The city is famous for its Italian food (especially on Federal Hill!), fresh seafood (clam cakes, stuffies, calamari!), and unique Rhode Island specialties! Rhode Island even has its own unique foods like "coffee milk" (the official state drink!), hot wieners, and Del's Frozen Lemonade!

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