100 Dumb US Laws (With Proof They Exist)
Rhode Island (RI) is the smallest U.S. state, located in New England on the Northeast coast. In 1776, Rhode Island became the first colony to declare independence from Great Britain. Health care is the leading sector of the state economy, with tourism in second place. The capital and largest city is Providence.
-
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Name Rhode Island Abbreviation RI Capital Providence Largest city Providence (Population: 190 792) Current time 18:50 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 sqmi (#50 largest US state) Admitted to the Union May 29, 1790 (#13 state to join) ⭐ Capital of Rhode Island
The capital of Rhode Island is Providence. It was founded by the colony’s founder and clergyman Roger Williams in 1636, which makes it one of the oldest cities in New England. The name Providence refers to the religious term Divine providence. It was the only officially recognized capital beginning in 1900, before that it shared the status with Newport.
🏙️ Largest City in Rhode Island
The largest city in Rhode Island is Providence, home to 190,792 residents in 2023. The second most populous city is Warwick with 82,999 people, closely followed by Cranston with 82,635 residents.
🕒 Time in Rhode Island
The current time in Rhode Island is 18:50. The entire state observes Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5), and from March to November it switches to daylight time EDT (UTC-4).
🧑🤝🧑 Population of Rhode Island
In 2023, Rhode Island had only 1,097,371 residents, which ranked it 43rd among the most populous U.S. states.
📍 Area of Rhode Island
The total area of Rhode Island is only 1,545 sqmi, of which 1,034 sqmi is land and 511 sqmi is water. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States.
-
Fun Facts About Rhode Island
🧩 Which States Border Rhode Island
Rhode Island shares a land border with only two U.S. states, to the west with Connecticut and to the north and east with Massachusetts. It also has a 40 mi long coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.
📅 Date of Rhode Island Statehood
Rhode Island ratified its entry into the Union on May 29, 1790 as the 13th state, its predecessor was the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
📛 Rhode Island State Nickname
Rhode Island is nicknamed “The Ocean State,” which refers to its location and comparatively long Atlantic coastline. The nickname is a traditional part of the state’s license plates.
⛰️ Highest Point in Rhode Island
The highest point in Rhode Island is Jerimoth Hill at just 811 ft, located in the town of Foster in the northwest of the state.
🏞️ Rivers in Rhode Island
The longest river in Rhode Island is the Blackstone River, with a total length of just 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, founded in 1892 in Kingston and now attended by more than 17,000 students. Second is Brown University in Providence with 11,000 enrolled students. The third largest is Johnson & Wales University, also in Providence, with around 4,500 students.
✉️ ZIP Codes in Rhode Island
Rhode Island uses ZIP code ranges 028xx and 029xx, and you can look them up by address on the U.S. Postal Service website. For more details, see the article ZIP Codes in the USA.
-
Weather in Rhode Island
The best time to visit Rhode Island is summer, with low humidity and pleasant temperatures. All tourist attractions are open to visitors as well.
Spring in Rhode Island is usually cool and damp. Temperatures sit around 39 °F in March and rise to 59 °F in May. Rain is very common, and in freezing weather snow also falls, with the highest totals typically in March. The ocean influences coastal weather, so temperatures there tend to be lower.
Summer in Rhode Island is warm and pleasant with steady rainfall amounts. From June through August it is usually between 72 °F and 81 °F, so ocean beaches are often crowded.
Fall in Rhode Island brings cooler weather, with temperatures between 45 °F and 54 °F, and the number of rainy days is comparable to summer. Along the coast it is cooler than in the warmer interior due to the ocean.
Winter in Rhode Island is cold, with temperatures below freezing around 23 °F. It is warmer along the coast, while in the colder interior snowfall can reach 30 cm–40 cm.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in Rhode Island
-
What to See in Rhode Island
1️⃣ The Breakers
The Breakers is among the most famous mansions in Newport, built in 1895 by American industrialist and philanthropist Cornelius Vanderbilt. The massive home has 70 rooms, and architect Richard Morris Hunt drew inspiration from Italian Neo-Renaissance palaces.
The interiors are adorned with marble, gold, and intricate mosaics that reflect the wealth and influence of the Vanderbilt family. Visitors can tour both the mansion and the gardens to learn more about the life of America’s elite at the end of the 19th century.
2️⃣ Newport Cliff Walk
The Cliff Walk is a 3.5 mi walking path in Newport that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the city’s grand mansions. You can see The Breakers from 1895, Marble House from 1888 to 1892, and Rough Point completed in 1892. Parts of the Cliff Walk run over natural rock, which can be a challenge for older visitors.
3️⃣ Crescent Park Carousel
The Crescent Park Carousel is a merry-go-round near Providence that has been designated a National Historic Landmark. It was built in 1895 by Charles I. D. Looff, one of America’s most famous carousel makers.
Visitors can admire the hand-painted and carved details of the horses and other animals. One of the few surviving carousels of its kind in the world is still operating, and both children and adults can ride it.
4️⃣ Colt State Park
Colt State Park is located in Bristol on the shore of Narragansett Bay. It features several biking and running trails with beautiful water views. The park once belonged to American industrialist and politician Samuel P. Colt, a nephew of the famed firearms inventor Samuel Colt.
5️⃣ Rhode Island State House
The Rhode Island State House in the capital city of Providence serves as the seat of the state government. The building was constructed from 1891 to 1901 in a Classical architectural style and is notable for having one of the largest self-supporting marble domes in the world.
The interior is open to visitors, including the rotunda with the bronze statue The Independent Man from 1899, which symbolizes freedom and independence.
6️⃣ Block Island
Block Island is a small island in the Atlantic Ocean located about 12 mi off the coast of Rhode Island. It is known for its beaches, tall bluffs, and unspoiled nature that you can explore on several hiking and biking trails. Highlights include the historic North Light lighthouse from 1867 and the Southeast Light from 1875. Block Island is accessible by ferry from the village of Point Judith.
7️⃣ Slater Mill
Slater Mill is a significant textile mill in Pawtucket that is considered the cradle of the American Industrial Revolution. The cotton mill was the first in the United States to be powered by water from the adjacent stream. It was put into operation in 1793 by American industrialist Samuel Slater, who used technologies developed by English inventor and entrepreneur Richard Arkwright.
Visitors can take guided tours to learn more about the mill, the 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 on 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, traditionally accompanied by music and performances. Visitors can enjoy WaterFire from the riverwalk or directly from a boat.
9️⃣ Beavertail State Park
Beavertail State Park is on the southern tip of Conanicut Island and offers some of the most beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. The park is home to the historic Beavertail Lighthouse, which entered service in 1856. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching during bird migration.
🔟 Fort Adams State Park
Fort Adams State Park comprises a historic military complex that is among the largest coastal fortifications in the United States. The park is located on Narragansett Bay south of Providence. The fortifications were in active use from 1841 until the first half of the 20th century. Visitors can join guided tours to learn more about Rhode Island’s military history.
-
Largest Cities in Rhode Island
The table lists the ten largest cities in Rhode Island in 2023. The source is the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose primary task is the census.
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
🏒 Hockey (NHL)
There is no NHL team based in Rhode Island.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
No team from Rhode Island plays in the NFL.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
There is no NBA team from Rhode Island.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
Rhode Island has no representation in Major League Baseball.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
There is no Rhode Island team in MLS.
-
Rhode Island State Symbols
Rhode Island has many official symbols defined in state law, and this article lists several of them.
State Flag of Rhode Island
Compared with other U.S. states, Rhode Island’s flag stands out with its nearly square ratio of 29:33. The design features a gold anchor on a white field surrounded by 13 gold stars. The number recalls the 13 original colonies and Rhode Island as the thirteenth state to ratify the Constitution. A blue ribbon bearing the state motto “HOPE” appears below the anchor. The current flag has been in use since November 1, 1897.
State Seal of Rhode Island
The Great Seal is among the oldest in the United States, with the current design in use since 1644, when Rhode Island received its royal charter from British King Charles II. The anchor on the seal symbolizes steadfastness and hope for a better future, which is reinforced by the state motto “Hope” above it. The year 1636 refers to the founding of the Rhode Island colony.
State Tree
The symbol chosen in 1964 is the red maple (Acer rubrum), which grows to about 98 ft and is common throughout Rhode Island. The tree is especially popular in autumn, when its leaves quickly turn a deep red, creating a beautiful atmosphere in parks and forests.
State Song
The official state song was chosen in 1996, Rhode Island’s It for Me, after it won a public contest. The lyrics were written by Charlie Hall, a relatively well-known comedian and Rhode Island native.
State Flower
Rhode Island’s state flower since 1968 has been the common blue violet (Viola sororia), selected through a student vote. The violet symbolizes the arrival of spring and is widespread in the state.
State Motto
Rhode Island has the shortest motto of any U.S. state. It is simply “Hope,” adopted in 1664 when the state received its charter. The motto reflects faith in a better future and is often paired with an anchor symbolizing steadfast hope.
State Bird
In 1954, the Rhode Island Red (Gallus gallus domesticus) was designated the state bird. This chicken breed was developed in the 19th century in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Red is known for laying 200 to 300 eggs per year, which historically benefited the state’s agriculture.
State Fish
The symbol since 2000 has been the striped bass (Morone saxatilis), which is commonly found in Rhode Island’s coastal waters. The striped bass represents the state’s rich fishing tradition, and typical catches weigh between 20 lb and 40 lb.
State Fruit
Since 1991, one of the state symbols has been the Rhode Island Greening apple. This green apple variety was developed in the mid-17th century near Middletown on Rhode Island’s southeastern coast.
State Beverage
Rhode Island’s official state beverage since 1993 is coffee milk. It is made by mixing milk with coffee syrup, which consists of coffee extract, sugar, and water.
Coffee milk has been one of the state’s most popular drinks for generations. The tradition has its roots in the Italian immigrant community, which brought the habit of serving coffee with milk and sugar. The drink then spread to cafes and restaurants and later to homes.
Contribute with Your Question or Personal Experience