What are the Key Facts of Rhode Island?
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State |
Rhode Island |
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State Capital |
Providence |
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Largest City |
Providence |
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Coordinates |
41.7°N 71.5°W |
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Nickname(s) |
“The Ocean State”, “Little Rhody” |
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Postal Abbreviation |
RI |
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Area |
1,214 sq. mi (3,144 sq. km) |
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Highest Point |
Jerimoth Hill, 812 ft (247 m) |
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Neighboring States |
Connecticut, Massachusetts |
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Number of Counties |
5 |
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Population |
1,059,361 (2019) |
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Date of Entering the Union |
May 29, 1790 (13th) |
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State Anthem |
“Rhode Island’s It for Me” |
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Governor |
Gina Raimondo (Democrats) |
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Lieutenant Governor |
Daniel McKee (Democrats) |
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U.S. senators |
Jack Reed (Democrats), Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrats) |
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U.S. House Delegation |
David Cicilline (Democrats), James Langevin (Democrats) |
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GDP (millions of dollars) |
64441 |
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Demonym |
Rhode Islander |
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Time Zones |
UTC-05:00 (Eastern), Summer (DST) UTC-04:00 (EDT) |
Where is Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is officially known as the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. It is the 13th state admitted to the union of the United States of America on May 29, 1790. Rhode Island is in the New England region of the United States. The state is surrounded by Connecticut to the west, Massachusetts to the north and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south via Rhode Island Sound and Block Island Sound. It is the smallest state in the US but is densely populated.
What is the Geography of Rhode Island?
Rhode Island spreads across a total area of 1,214 sq. mi (3,144 sq. km), out of which 1,045 sq. mi (2,707 sq. km) is the land area and 169 sq. mi (438 sq. km) is the water area. Water bodies constitute 13.9% of the total area.
Rivers are abundant in the state. Some of the prominent rivers of the state are- Five Mile River, Pawcatuck River, Ashaway River, Green Fall River, Wood River, Flat River, and many more. The Blackstone River is the largest in Rhode Island.
The state’s mean elevation is 200 ft (60 m) above sea level. The highest elevation point of the state is Jerimoth Hill, which is 812 ft (247 m) while the lowest elevation point of Rhode Island is (the Atlantic Ocean, which is 0 ft (0 m).
There are significant mountains in the state, such as Central Landfill, Beacon Pole Hill, Woonsocket Hill, Whortleberry Hill, Chopmist Hill, and Jerimoth Hill. Jerimoth Hill is the highest point in the state, which is 812 ft (247 m).
Early settlers of Rhode Island cleared a large part of forest land for agriculture. Although, gradually, the forestation took place, and the state made remarkable progress in the growth of the forest. At present, 59 percent of the state or 393,000 acres of land is under forest cover.
Several kinds of trees are grown in the state, but some trees such as red maple, eastern white pine, scarlet oak, white oak, northern red oak, yellow birch, black oak, sweet birch, black gum, and black cherry are most common, and they are grown extensively in the state.
Narragansett soil is found in the upland regions of the state. It is found extensively in the state, and it covers about 12,000 acres of land in Rhode Island and its adjoining states of Connecticut and Massachusetts. Narragansett soils are fertile for agricultural cultivation. Silage corn, hay, apples, vegetables, potatoes, etc. are the major crops that are grown extensively in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US, but it is replete with several lakes. Most of the lakes in the state are human made. Therefore, the state is also known as “The Ocean State”. Some of the outstanding lakes in the state are- Wallum Lake, Worden Pond, Scituate Reservoir, Miscoe Lake, Boone Lake, Spring Lake, Olney Pond, and many more.
Despite its small size, the state has several remarkable beaches like Watch Hill Beach, Crescent Beach, Napatree Point Beach, Ballard’s Beach, East Beach, Misquamicut State Beach, and so on.
Red maple is the official state tree of the state, while Common blue violet is known as the state flower of the state. Apart from this, Harbor seal is the state’s animal, and Rhode Island Red has been declared as the state’s bird of Rhode Island.
The state is home to various species, including Coyotes, raccoons, skunks, deer, opossums, turtles, and many more. Many lovely birds are also spotted in the state, such as wood duck, wild turkey, osprey, red-shouldered hawk, american woodcock, yellow-billed cuckoo, black-billed cuckoo, and many more.
What is the Climate of Rhode Island?
The state has a humid continental climate. It experiences warm to hot summers, but winters are cold and snowy. The weather of the tiny state of the US is variable. The people of Rhode Island face abrupt changes in temperature, wind, sunshine, and precipitation throughout the year.
The temperature of the state during summer is variable. The average summer temperature remains 83°F (28°C). Although, in the interior areas of the state, the temperature remains more than 100°F (37.8°C). While the coastal regions are colder by a few degrees, the average winter temperature of the state is between 15°F (-9.4°C) to 20°F (-6.7°C) in most parts of the state. The temperature in the coastal region is somewhat higher, usually at 25°F (-3.9°C). However, in the inland areas, night temperature dips below 0°F (-17.8°C) for six to eight days, while the storms and hurricanes are the regular threat for Rhode Island.
The state receives an annual rainfall of 42 inches (1066.8mm) to 46 inches (1168.4mm). Rhode Island gets an average snowfall of around 20 inches (508mm) to 55 inches (1397mm). January is the coldest, while July is the warmest month of the state. The state, on average, gets 202 sunny days per year.
What is the Economy of Rhode Island?
The economy of Rhode Island depends on the manufacturing industry, while agriculture, mining, forestry, and fishing also contribute to the state’s economy.
The state is famous for manufacturing jewelry, silverware, textiles, primary and fabricated metals, machinery, electrical equipment, rubber and plastic products, and so on.
Farmlands in the state is used for dairy and poultry products. Milk is an essential source of income for the state. The state is known for producing many eggs. Rhode Island’s Red hens are famous as brown egg layers. Such hens lay six eggs in a week.
The total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state was $63,541.1 in 2019, while the per capita personal income of the state was $56,542 in 2019.
What is the Transportation System of Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has been providing low-cost bus service throughout the state. Some of the important Interstate Highways passing through the state are Interstate 184, 95,195, 295,895, 95E.
The train service in the Rhode Island is immense. The state is served by Amtrak, high-speed Acela, and Boston commuter trains. Rhode Island is well connected by air. It has several airports, some of the major one’s are-Block Island State Airport, Theodore Francis Green State Airport, Westerly State Airport, North Central State Airport, and many more.
What is the Origin of the Name of “Rhode Island”?
The state was named Rhode Island by Dutch explorer Adrian Block. He first named it “Roodt Eylandt,” it is a Dutch word which means “red island” or the reddish color of the soil. Adriaen Block had mentioned the world “Roodt Eylandt” in 1614. Later the British anglicized this word when they annexed the region and established the British rule.
Why is Rhode Island called “The Ocean State”?
The US state of Rhode Island is also known as “The Ocean State”. This nickname has also been mentioned on Rhode Island license plates. The name was chosen to entice tourists to the state. Rhode Island is famous for sandy shores and seaside colonial towns. The state’s shoreline runs for 400 miles, including Narragansett Bay shoreline.
The state is also known by some other nicknames such as “Little Rhode”, “The Plantation State”, “The Smallest State”, and “Land of Roger Williams”.
What are the Popular Tourist Attractions in Rhode Island?
The state is packed with several remarkable tourist attractions. The popular tourist attractions in the smallest state of the US are The Breakers, Cliff Walk, Roger Williams Park Zoo, WaterFire Providence, The Elms, RISD Museum of Art, Ocean Drive, Narragansett Bay Beaches, Block Island and Mohegan Bluffs and many more. Besides, these tourists have plenty of things to see and enjoy in Rhode Island.
Facts About Rhode Island
1.The distance between eastern and western points in Rhode Island is 37 miles and distance from south to north is 48 miles. Its aggregate area is 1,214 square miles. In USA it is the tiniest state.
2.During the American War of Independence the forces helmed by Cornwallis were defeated by Nathaniel Greene. Most experts on history opine that he was the best general of that era. He hailed from Rhode Island and served George Washington’s immediate deputy.
3.Among the first 13 Colonies of USA that later on became states Rhode Island is the final one.
4.Independent Man was placed over the State House on 18th December, 1899. It has been set up using bronze and is covered in gold. It is 278 feet from ground and its height is 11 feet.
5.Rhode Island and New York are separated by a marine border.
6.A duplicate Liberty Bell’s at Rhode Island has a crack just like the original version. Its height is almost 3.5 feet and its maximum width is same. In 1950 United States treasury Department gifted the bell to Rhode Islanders. It is located in State House’s southern entrance hall.
7.Cogswell Tower was erected in 1904. It was done according to Caroline Cogswell’s testimony and final will. It was built on a site that was used at the time of King Phillips War that was fought in 1676. It is located in Central Falls.
8.The daughter of Priscilla and John Alden is buried in Little Compton. This baby was the original girl child of European settlers in New England.
9.The ban recommended by the 18th Amendment was never approved by Rhode Island.
10.The retail capital of Rhode Island is Warwick.
11.On 28th August 1904 the original jail sentence for driving at an excessive speed was pronounced. The judge in question was Darius Baker and the sentence was announced in Newport.
12.Julia Ward Howe has written Battle Hymn of the Republic. She was an attendee of Channing Memorial Church. The church has been named after William Ellery Channing who played a prominent role in the Abolitionist Movement and Unitarian Church. It was set up in 1800.
13.The oldest match of polo in USA was played at a venue close to Newport. The match took place in 1876.
14.The earliest bar to have operated in USA is the White House Tavern. It was set up in 1673.
15.The original National Lawn Tennis Championship was organized in 1899. The tournament was staged in Rhode Island.
16.The poultry bred in Adamsville is famous around the world. Rhode Island Red Monument is a mark of tribute to it.
17.John F Kennedy married Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953. The wedding took place in Roman Catholic parish, which is situated in St. Mary’s. It was built in 1828 and is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the state. The Church also became famous for the said wedding.
18.The present building of First Baptist Church was set up in 1775. It was built first in 1638 by Roger Williams, the father of Rhode Island.
19.In 1895 the oldest golf championships for both part-timers and professional were organized in Rhode Island.
20.The first rural community in New England is Pawtuxet. It is located in Warwick and was set up in 1642.
21.There are 39 municipalities in the state and all of these have their individual local bodies for governance. There are 5 counties in Rhode Island – Bristol County, Kent County, Newport County, Providence County, and Washington County.
22.The first ever library of USA is Redwood Library and Athenaeum. It is located in Newport.
23.Flying Horse Carousel is situated in Watch Hill, which is a resort town. It is USA’s first merry go round.
24.The official symbol for folk art in Rhode Island is the Crescent Park Carousel. It is located in East Providence.
25.In 1774 America’s oldest circus was inaugurated. It took place in Newport.
26.During the American War of Independence several frigates were drowned in Newport Harbor. The wood from these combat ships was used to build the Masonic Temple located in Warren. It was set up during the 18th century and earliest of its kind in the New England region.
27.Ann and Hope was inaugurated in Rhode Island. It was USA’s original departmental store to have sold its products at a discounted rate.
28.Several colonists lost their lives while taking part in Pierce’s Fight, which was a part of King Phillips War that took place in 1676. A monument named Nine Men’s Misery was created in their memory. It is the earliest known American monument that has been dedicated to war veterans. It is located in Cumberland.
29.The Tennis Hall of Fame is housed by Rhode Island.
30.The earliest school in USA was set up in 1716. It is located in Portsmouth.
31.Rhode Island and Providence Plantations is how Rhode Island is officially called.
32.The most continuous celebrations of 4th of July have been taking place in Bristol. This sequence is the longest as well and has happened from 1785 onwards.
33.George M Cohan wrote a diverse range of musical pieces like You’re a Grand Old Flag and I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy. He was born in 1878 in Providence.
34.Touro Synagogue was set up in 1763. It has the most ancient torah in North America. It is also the earliest of its kind in the continent.
35.Silverware and intricate ornaments have helped Rhode Island earn a lot of fame.
36.The only roofed bridge in Rhode Island is the Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge. It is located in Foster.
37.The biggest bug of the world is 928 times bigger than a proper termite. It is 58 feet tall and is blue in color. It is located in Providence – above New England Pest Control building’s roof.
38.At the Battle of Rhode Island the British faced a tough stand by an Afro-American brigade. It was the first of its kind in USA.
39.There is a site for testing rusting at Point Judith. At this facility samples are exposed for several years – they are then examined to find out the extent of damage done by natural forces like water, sun light and air.
40.Stiletto was set up in 1987 in Bristol. It is the earliest torpedo boat.
41.The Gaspee was an English ship that was stationed at Narragansett Bay and was sunk by residents of Rhode Islands. This was the oldest military action taken versus England by people of America.
42.Streetlights lighted up using gas were used for the first time in USA in Pelham Street.
43.Roger Williams had been exiled from Plymouth in Massachusetts because he supposedly had some extreme concepts regarding freedom of religion and speech. He is credited with establishing an effective democratic model. He also founded Rhode Island.
44.Cumberlandite is found in Narragansett Bay’s both sides. It is either black or dark brown in color and has white marks. It is the official rock of Rhode Island.
45.Roger Williams created the concepts of freedom of religion, freedom of public assembly and freedom of speech. This is why he has been acknowledged in the First Amendment to the US constitution by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
46.Quonset hut was a temporary structure built and used by the US military, starting in World War II.
47.Samuel Slater set up a cotton mill in Pawtucket in 1790. It was powered by water. This mill helped kick off the era of Industrial Revolution. Rhode Island also became the birthplace of this golden age of human productivity.
48.The height of Jerimoth Hill is 812 feet. It is the tallest point in Rhode Island.
49.It was in Newport that the original battalion of British soldiers arrived to quell the rebellion.
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