Roger Williams landed in America in 1631. He came for religious freedom, but he found the Massachusetts colony restrictive. Banished by Massachusetts leaders in early 1636, he founded the colony of Rhode Island and the city of Providence. Children can learn more at: Roger Williams.
Rhode Island Flag
Rhode Island became the thirteenth state in the United States by ratifying the Constitution in 1790. Its name relates back to the island of Rhodes. It was the last of the original thirteen colonies to join the Union. The smallest of all the states, it manufactures jewelry, silver and textiles. Rhode Island ranks 45th in population. Providence is the state capital, and the state nicknames are the Ocean State and Little Rhody. The state bird is the Rhode Island Red, a hen that can lay up to 300 eggs per year. IDEA: Children might want to boil some eggs and make egg salad. They could also visit an Internet site at: Rhode Island.
Anne Hutchinson was exiled from Massachusetts in 1637 for speaking against the religious leaders. She, her husband, and others traveled to join Roger Williams in Providence, Rhode Island. Anne Hutchinson’s Way, written by Jeannine Atkins and illustrated by Michael Dooling, accurately portrays Hutchinson’s life and the problems she faced. Older children could learn more at: Anne Hutchinson.