What Are Some Interesting Facts About Rhode Island?

You might know a tidbit or two about this tiny state, but what are some interesting facts about Rhode Island?

• Rhode Island is the smallest state in terms of size in the United States.
• It is comprised of 1,214 square miles.
• From North to South, the state runs 48 miles. From East to West, the state runs 37 miles.
• Rhode Island was the last of the original 13 colonies to become a state.
• New York shares a state water border with Rhode Island.
• Rhode Island actually never ratified the 18th Amendement regarding Prohibition.
• Polo was played for the first time in Rhode Island. It happened in 1876 around Newport.
• The first National Lawn Tennis Championship occurred in 1899 in Rhode Island.
• The first open golf tournament also occurred in Rhode Island in 1895.
• There is no county government in Rhode Island.
• Rhode Island is divided into 39 municipalities which are each controlled by their own local government.
• Rhode Island is well known for making both jewelry and silverware.
• George M. Cohan was born in Providence.
• Roger Williams founded Rhode Island, but he also started the First Baptist Church in America in 1638.
• Pawtuxet Village in Warwick is known as New England's oldest village.
• Portsmouth is home to the oldest school in the United States. This school was built in 1716.
• The highest point of the state is Jerimoth Hill. It stands 812 feet above sea level.
• Providence is the capital of Rhode Island.
• Providence is also the largest city in Rhode Island.
• People who live in this state are called Rhode Islanders.
• Its other major industries are textiles, rubber products, tourism, and machinery.
• The Sakonnet River is the major river in the state.
• Connecticut and Massachusetts have a land border with Rhode Island.
• The Atlantic Ocean borders the state.
• Rhode Island's official flag was adopted in 1897. There are 13 stars on the flag, which are representative of the original 13 colonies, of which Rhode Island was one.
• The state bird is the Rhode Island Red, which is a type of chicken.
• Viole's are the state flower.
• Rhode Island was admitted to statehood on May 29, 1790.
• The oldest synagogue in the United States is Touro Synagogue in Newport. This synagogue was built in 1763.
• Over 23,000 Rhode Islanders fought for the Union during the American Civil War.
• The oldest university in the United States is Brown University, located in Providence.
• Brown University started in 1764 as Rhode Island College.
• Rhode Island is a major vacation state.
• A main reason why so many people go to Rhode Island for vacation is because of its magnificent beaches.
• Sixty percent of the state is comprised of forests.
• The first circus in the United States happened in Newport in 1774.
• The first troops from Britain who came to stop the revolution came to Newport.
• The official name is The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
• There are 10 state beaches and 15 state parks.
• The state motto is "Hope."
• Some famous people from Rhode Island were Anne Hutchinson, David Hartman, Roger Williams, and Wilbur John.

Perhaps now that you have read these interesting facts about Rhode Island, you might be inclined to do some more research and even take a vacation there yourself!