Rhode Island (RI) is the smallest state in the USA, located in the New England region on the northeast coast. In 1776, Rhode Island became the first colony to declare independence from Great Britain. The health care sector is the main contributor to the state’s economy, with tourism a close second. The capital and largest city of Rhode Island is Providence.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Name Rhode Island Abbreviation RI Capital Providence Largest city Providence (Population: 190 792) Current time 12:55 Time zone EST (UTC-5), the state observes Daylight Saving Time EDT (UTC-4) Population 1,097,371 (#43 most populous US state) Area 1,545 mi² (#50 largest US state) Admitted to the Union May 29, 1790 (#13 state to join) ⭐ Capital of Rhode Island
The capital of the state of Rhode Island is Providence. It was founded by Rhode Island colony founder and clergyman Roger Williams in 1636, making it one of the oldest cities in New England. The name Providence refers to the religious term Divine Providence. It was officially recognized as the only capital city in 1900, after previously sharing that status with Newport.
🏙️ Largest City in Rhode Island
The largest city in Rhode Island is Providence, with a population of 190,792 in 2023. The second most populous city is Warwick, with a population of 82,999, and Cranston is a close third with 82,635 residents.
🕒 Time in Rhode Island
The current time in the state of Rhode Island is 12:55. Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) is in effect throughout the state, with Daylight Saving Time (EDT, UTC-4) observed from March to November.
🧑🤝🧑 Population of Rhode Island
In 2023, Rhode Island had a population of just 1,097,371, ranking it as the 43rd most populous state in the USA.
📍 Area of Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s total area is only 1,545 mi², of which 1,034 mi² is land and 511 mi² is water. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the USA.
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Fun Facts About Rhode Island
🧩 Rhode Island Neighboring States
Rhode Island shares a land border with only two US states: Connecticut to the west and Massachusetts to the north and east. In addition, it has a 40 mi long coastline with the Atlantic Ocean.
📅 Date of Rhode Island Statehood
Rhode Island ratified its entry into the Union on May 29, 1790, as the 13th state, previously known as the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
📛 Nickname of the State of Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island is nicknamed “The Ocean State”, referring to its geographical location and its relatively long coastline with the Atlantic Ocean. The nickname traditionally appears on the state’s license plates.
⛰️ Highest Mountain in Rhode Island
At just 811 ft, the highest peak in Rhode Island is Jerimoth Hill, located in the town of Foster in the northwestern part of the state.
🏞️ Rivers in Rhode Island
The longest river in Rhode Island is the Blackstone River with a total flow length of only 48 mi. It is followed by the Pawcatuck River (34 mi), Wood River (25 mi), Moosup River (24 mi) and Ten Mile River (22 mi).
🎓 Universities in Rhode Island
The largest university in the state is the University of Rhode Island, which was founded in 1892 in the city of Kingston and is now attended by over 17,000 students. Brown University from the city of Providence comes in second place with 11 thousand enrolled students. The third largest university is Johnson & Wales University, also located in Providence, with approximately 4,500 students.
✉️ Rhode Island ZIP Codes
The state of Rhode Island has an assigned zip code range of 028xx and 029xx, searchable by address on the USPS website. For more information, see the article ZIP Codes in the USA.
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Weather in Rhode Island
The best time to visit Rhode Island is summer, with low humidity and pleasant temperatures. In addition, all tourist attractions are open to visitors.
Spring in Rhode Island is typically cool and wet. Temperatures hover around 39°F in March and rise to 59°F in May. Rain and, in cold weather, snowfall is very common, with the highest totals in March. The weather on the coast is influenced by the ocean, and temperatures tend to be lower in these areas.
Summers in Rhode Island are warm and pleasant with steady rainfall. Between June and August, it is usually between 72°F and 81°F, so the oceanfront beaches tend to be crowded.
Autumn in Rhode Island brings cooler temperatures between 45°F and 54°F, and the number of rainy days is comparable to summer. The coast is cooler than the warmer inland areas due to the ocean.
Winter in Rhode Island is cold, with temperatures below freezing around 23°F. It is warmer on the coast, but in the colder interior it can snow up to 30 cm–40 cm.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in Rhode Island
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Things to Do in Rhode Island
1️⃣ The Breakers
The Breakers is one of Newport’s most famous mansions, built in 1895 by American industrialist and philanthropist Cornelius Vanderbilt. The enormous villa contains 70 rooms, and architect Richard Morris Hunt was inspired by Italian Neo-Renaissance palaces in his design.
The interiors of the villa are decorated with marble, gold and intricate mosaics that reflect the wealth and power of the Vanderbilt family. Visitors can take a tour of the villa and garden to learn more about the life of the American aristocracy in the late 19th century.
2️⃣ Newport Cliff Walk
The Cliff Walk is 3.5 mi a long walking path in Newport that offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the local glitzy villas. You can catch a glimpse of The Breakers, built in 1895, Marble House, built between 1888 and 1892, and the Rough Point mansion completed in 1892. Part of the Cliff Walk trail follows natural stones, which can be a barrier for older visitors, for example.
3️⃣ Crescent Park Carousel
The Crescent Park Carousel is a carousel near Providence that has been designated a National Historic Landmark. It was built in 1895 by Charles I. D. Looff, one of the most famous carousel manufacturers in America.
Visitors can admire the hand-painted and hand-carved details of horses and other animals. One of the few surviving carousels of its kind in the world, it is still in operation and can be ridden by children and adults alike.
4️⃣ Colt State Park
Colt State Park is located in the town of Bristol on the shores of Narragansett Bay. There are several biking and jogging trails that offer beautiful views of the water. The park was once owned by American industrialist and politician Samuel P. Colt, who was the nephew of the famous arms inventor Samuel Colt.
5️⃣ Rhode Island State House
The Rhode Island State House in the capital city of Providence serves as the seat of government for the state of Rhode Island. The building was built between 1891 and 1901 in the Classical Revival architectural style and features one of the largest self-supporting marble domes in the world.
The interior of the building is open to the public, including the rotunda with its 1899 bronze statue of The Independent Man, which symbolizes freedom and independence.
6️⃣ Block Island
Block Island is a small island in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 12 mi from the coast of Rhode Island. The island is known for its beaches, high cliffs and preserved nature, which can be explored from several hiking and biking trails. Interesting historical landmarks on the island include the North Light and Southeast Light lighthouses, dating from 1867 and 1875 respectively. Block Island is accessible by ferry from the village of Point Judith
7️⃣ Slater Mill Spinning Mill
Slater Mill is a major spinning mill in Pawtucket, considered the cradle of the American Industrial Revolution. The cotton spinning mill was the first in the United States to be powered by water from an adjacent stream. It was commissioned in 1793 by American industrialist Samuel Slater, who used the technology of English inventor and entrepreneur Richard Arkwright.
Visitors can take guided tours and learn more about the spinning mill, water wheel and other buildings on the site.
8️⃣ WaterFire
WaterFire is an art installation held in downtown Providence during which hundreds of fires are lit in the river of the same name, illuminating the city and creating a magical atmosphere. The cultural event takes place several times between May and November, and is traditionally accompanied by music and various performances. Visitors can enjoy the WaterFire from the path along the river or directly from the boat.
9️⃣ Beavertail State Park
Beavertail State Park is located on the southern tip of Conanicut Island and offers some of the most spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. The park is home to the historic Beavertail Lighthouse, which was commissioned in 1856. Popular activities in the park include hiking, fishing and nature watching during bird migration.
🔟 Fort Adams State Park
Fort Adams State Park is a historic military complex that is one of the largest coastal fortifications in the entire United States. The park is located on Narragansett Bay south of the city of Providence. The fortifications were actively used from 1841 until the first half of the 20th century. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about Rhode Island’s military history.
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Largest Cities in Rhode Island
The table below shows the ten largest cities in the state of Rhode Island in 2023, the source of the data is the United States Census Bureau, a federal agency whose primary function is to count the population.
City County Population 1 Providence Providence 190,792 Map of Providence 2 Warwick Kent 82,999 Map of Warwick 3 Cranston Providence 82,635 Map of Cranston 4 Pawtucket Providence 75,321 Map of Pawtucket 5 East Providence Providence 46,900 Map of East Providence 6 Woonsocket Providence 43,135 Map of Woonsocket 7 Cumberland Providence 36,591 Map of Cumberland 8 Coventry Kent 35,819 Map of Coventry 9 North Providence Providence 33,902 Map of North Providence 10 South Kingstown Washington 32,025 Map of South Kingstown -
Sports Teams in Rhode Island
🏒 Ice Hockey (NHL)
There are no teams in Rhode Island that play in the NHL.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
No team from Rhode Island plays in the NFL.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
There is no team from Rhode Island in the NBA basketball league.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
Rhode Island is not represented in the MLB baseball league.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
There is no team from Rhode Island in the MLS.
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Rhode Island State Symbols
The State of Rhode Island has a number of official symbols defined in its legislation, here in this article I list some of them.
State Flag of Rhode Island
Compared to other American states, the flag of Rhode Island stands out for its almost square aspect ratio of 29:33. The flag’s motif is a golden anchor on a white background surrounded by 13 golden stars. The number commemorates the 13 original colonies and Rhode Island as the thirteenth state to ratify the Constitution. Still below the anchor is a blue ribbon accompanied by the state motto “HOPE”. The flag has been used in its current form since November 1, 1897.
Great Seal of Rhode Island
The Great Seal is one of the oldest in the USA The current design has been in use since 1644, when Rhode Island received a royal charter from King Charles II of Great Britain. The anchor on the seal symbolizes strength and hope for a better future, reflected in the state motto “Hope”. The year 1636 refers to the year the colony of Rhode Island was founded.
State Tree
The red maple (Acer rubrum), which grows to a height of about 98 ft and is common in Rhode Island, became the symbol in 1964. The tree is especially popular in the autumn months when it quickly turns its leaves a deep red, creating a beautiful atmosphere in parks and forests.
State Song
Rhode Island’s It for Me was chosen as the official anthem in 1996 after winning a public contest. The lyrics were written by Charlie Hall, a relatively well-known comedian and Rhode Island native.
State Flower
The state flower of Rhode Island since 1968 has been the common blue violet (Viola sororia), chosen by student vote. The violet symbolizes the coming of spring and is widely distributed throughout the state.
State Motto
Rhode Island has the shortest motto of any US state. It reads simply “Hope” and was adopted in 1664 when the state received its charter. The motto reflects a belief in a better future, and is often accompanied by an anchor to symbolize firm hope.
State Bird
In 1954, the Rhode Island Red (Gallus gallus domesticus) was declared the state bird; this species of hen was bred in Rhode Island in the 19th century. Known for laying 200 to 300 eggs per year, the Rhode Island Red has contributed to the state’s agriculture in the past.
State Fish
Since 2000, the symbol has been the striped bass (Morone saxatilis), which is commonly found in Rhode Island’s coastal waters. The walleye symbolizes a rich fishing tradition, with typical catch weights ranging from 20 lb to 40 lb.
State Fruit
Since 1991, one of the symbols has been the Rhode Island Greening apple. The Greening apple was bred in the mid-17th century near Middletown on the southeastern coast of Rhode Island.
State Drink
Coffee milk became the official state drink of Rhode Island in 1993. The drink is made by mixing milk and coffee syrup, which consists of coffee extract, sugar, and water.
Coffee milk has been one of the most popular drinks in the state for generations. The tradition originated with a community of Italian immigrants who brought their custom of making coffee with milk and sugar. Subsequently, the drink spread to cafes and restaurants and then to homes.
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