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Explorers to America
Adrian Block was the first explorer to visit what is now Rhode Island. He named it after himself, Block Island. -
First Rhode Island City
Providence became the first city in Rhode Island. -
First Governor
Benedict Arnold became the first governor in RI appointed by a royal charter. -
RI was Founded!
Roger Williams founded RI as relief for Massachusetts and he promised religious freedom. -
Women Preacher Taking on the World
Anne Hutchinson fled to RI and began preaching as a Quaker woman and was known to be the first women with an impact on Rhode Island life. -
Portsmouth Compact
This compact severed both political and religious ties with England. -
Baptist Church
The first Baptist church in the nation was founded by Roger Williams. -
2nd Rhode Island City
William Coddington founded the second city in RI, Newport. -
First President
John Coggeshall was Rhode Island's first president. -
Slaves in Rhode Island
Black slaves were used for trading and labor. The main areas with slaves included Newport and Bristol. -
King Phillip's War
Colonists went to war with the Indians over unfair trade. It was the last war to try and drive the Indians out. -
Roger Williams dies
The founder of Rhode Island dies. All were upset and mourned! -
Emancipation Act
Because of this act, slavery was abolished and all children after March 1st, 1784 were free! -
Gaspee Affair
John Brown and the Sons of Liberty planned an attack on the Gaspee. They attacked Duddington, who was like the captain, and captured his men. They eventually burned down the Gaspee. This took place alongside Narragansett Bay. -
War leader
Nathanael Greene was honored to help save America during the Revolutionary War. He fought alongside George Washington. He was like his co-commander. -
Another war leader
William Barton led a Continental Army in the Revolution. He was from Rhode Island! His first battle was at the Battle of Bunker Hill. -
RI Independence Day
It was the first state to officially break away from Britain. -
Declaration of Independence Signers
Stephen Hopkins and William Ellery were the only two representatives from Rhode Island who signed the constitution. -
Battle of Rhode Island
11,000 Continental troops and militia prepared to fight the British. A hurricane was a conflict of the battle. Later on, the British attacked the Americans and they were forced to retreat leaving the British with a win. -
RI ratified the constitution
Rhode Island officially became a state! It endured the Bill of Rights and many amendment's. -
First Cotton Mill
Samuel Slater owned the first water-powered cotton mill. It was the start of the industry in Rhode Island. -
St. Mary's Church
The most popular church in RI was founded by Father Woodley! -
Dorr's Rebelion
This was a rebellion about the constitution. Some thought they needed a constitution and some people thought they didn't need one. -
First College
Rhode Island College was the first college! It was built in Providence for higher education. -
First Presidential Phone Call
Rutherford B. Hayes was called by Alexander Graham Bell. Bell called from Providence to Hayes in Rocky Point Park. The call was about how honored to show Hayes the telephone. It was the first presidential phone call in Rhode Island! -
First Capital
Providence became RI's capital. -
Bloodless Revolution
On this day, democrats took over the government. The republicans were ruling the government for 1 year. -
Great New England Hurricane
A powerful category 3 hurricane struck through RI. The storm surge reached 13.8 feet! 262 people died and 204 were injured. Because the damage was so bad, the state was unrecognizable. -
First Presidential Wedding
John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier were wed in Newport, RI. It was the first presidential wedding in Rhode Island! The were wed at St. Mary's Church. -
Blizzard of '78
The Blizzard of '78 was the worst snowstorm in Rhode Island history! There was over 27 feet snow drift and over 2 billion dollars in damage. One hundred deaths were calculated.
