Rhode Island’s Historical Name: From Colony to State
Understanding this longer name offers a fascinating glimpse into the state’s foundational principles and early development.
Early Settlements of Dissent
The story begins with the arrival of individuals seeking religious freedom, a core tenet that shaped the identity of Rhode Island. The land that would eventually become the state was initially comprised of several distinct settlements:
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- Providence Plantations (1636): Founded by the theologian Roger Williams on the mainland, Providence became a sanctuary for those fleeing religious persecution from the more rigid Puritan society of the…