Unit Study Supplement: Rhode Island, U.S. 13th State

How did Rhode Island get its name?  Who discovered Rhode Island? These and other questions are answered in our Rhode Island unit study supplement!

No one really knows how Rhode Island got its name.  Some think that explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano inspired the name by comparing the region to the Greek island of Rhodes while others think that the name is from the Dutch “Roodt Eylandt” that means “red island” after the red clay at its shore. Did you know that until November 2020, the state’s official name was “The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations”? It’s now “The State of Rhode Island”.

There are more interesting facts about Rhode Island, including historical facts about Rhode Island, a Rhode Island history timeline, geography facts and more throughout the rest of this article. Time4Learning members can download our list of PreK-12 interactive activities that align with your study of Rhode Island.  Here are a few Rhode Island facts for kids:

Rhode Island Fast Facts

Rhode Island Historical Facts

As one of the original 13 colonies, Rhode Island’s history is important.  Let’s see why! Would you believe that Rhode Island may have been inhabited for as long as 30,000 years!  When Giovanni da Verrazzano arrived to explore the area in 1524, he found Native American tribes like the Niantic, Narragansett, and Wampanoag living there.

Over a century later, in 1636, Roger Williams founded the Rhode Island Colony.  Williams had been banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony because of his religious beliefs and support of separation of church and state; as a result, the Rhode Island region became known as a place where religious freedom was valued.  In fact, Williams’ contribution to our First Amendment Rights (i.e., the freedoms of religion, speech, and assembly) was acknowledged by our Founding Fathers.

Unfortunately, colonial Rhode Island was plagued by internal unrest from its variety of settlements that arose from banishments and unhappiness with the Massachusetts Bay Colony.  In addition, the neighboring colonies of Connecticut, Plymouth, and Massachusetts Bay attempted to take over “Rogue’s Island” and eventually formed a military alliance. The United Colonies of New England (also known as the New England Confederation) excluded Rhode Island’s towns and tried to undo agreements Williams had made with the Native Americans.

Williams reacted by securing an English charter for his colony (to include Providence, Newport, Portsmouth, and Warwick) in 1644 and called it “Providence Plantations.”  William Coddington, founder of Newport, blocked the merger, which eventually led to the original charter being considered invalid. John Clarke, representing those opposed to Coddington, obtained a second royal charter in 1663.  This second charter remained in place until the state constitution replaced it in 1842.

Little Rhody played an active role in achieving American independence from the British and was one of the first states to push for independence.  In 1772, in what was later known as the Gaspee Incident, a group of Providence residents boarded the British customs vessel, Gaspee, and burned it.  A year later, Rhode Island sent aid to Massachusetts when the British tried to punish Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party, and in 1775, Rhode Island’s Providence, formerly known as Katy, became the first ship in the Continental Navy.

Rhode Island was the last colony to ratify the Constitution because it required that the Bill of Rights guarantee certain rights before signing.  In 1790, Rhode Island became the 13th state of the newly formed United State of America.

Now take some time to check out the Rhode Island history timeline below to learn important historical facts about Rhode Island.

Bring history and geography to life with Time4Learning’s interactive online social studies curriculum for grades 2-12.

Rhode Island Geography Facts

Now that you’ve mastered some interesting facts about Rhode Island’s history, let’s explore the geography of the state.  Did you know that Rhode Island is about 48 miles long and 37 miles wide?  That means that the entire state could fit into Texas over 200 times, that it needs only one area code, and that there are no county governments.  You can drive across the entire state in one hour and walk across it in less than five days!

Rhode Island has many secondary growth trees covering more than 60% of the state.  These include the red maple (state tree), Eastern white pine, black tupelo, and American hornbeam, as well as swamp maple, white cedar, poplar, and juniper.  The state’s wildflowers include the black-eyed Susan, mountain laurel, bulbous buttercup, oxeye daisy, and mullein. Did you know that mullein is considered “cowboy toilet paper” because of its soft leaves?

Although the state’s mammals were significantly hunted during colonial times, beavers, black bears, and fisher weasels have repopulated the state, as well as deer, foxes, raccoons, river otters, and minks.  Many birds can be found in Rhode Island, including the blue-winged warbler, loon, harlequin duck, green heron, and common eider, while reptiles and amphibians like the eastern smooth and northern redbelly snake, blue-spotted salamander, and northern leopard frog might be spotted on the ground.  Wild turkey and eastern coyote populations are growing.

Take a look at this map of Rhode Island to see the major cities and landforms. Then read through the following Rhode Island geography facts. Print out the map of Rhode Island provided below and add these items to the map.

• Rhode Island is bordered by Massachusetts in the north and east, the Atlantic Ocean in the south, and Connecticut in the west.  The state also shares a maritime border with New York.
• The capital, Providence, lies in the northeastern quadrant of the state, just southwest of the northernmost point of Narragansett Bay.
• Narragansett Bay is an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean and makes up a large portion of eastern Rhode Island.
• The Blackstone River cuts across the northeastern corner of Rhode Island.
• The Pawtuxet River drains the central part of Rhode Island while the Pawcatuck River flows across the southern part of the state.
• Pascoag Lake is found in the northwest corner of the state.
• Scituate Reservoir is a large body of water in the central region west of Providence.
• Beach Pond is on the border with Connecticut, northwest of Hope Valley.
• Worden Pond is a smaller body of water in south-central Rhode Island.
• Rhode Island’s highest point is Jerimoth Hill, at 812 feet above sea level, in northwestern Rhode Island.
• The lowest point is at sea level where Rhode Island meets the Atlantic Ocean.
• Brown University is a famous Ivy League school located along the northeast side of the state, right by Providence Harbor.

Rhode Island State Map

Download our FREE Rhode Island state map printable. Use it as a coloring page or use it to plot the state’s geographical features.

Download

Activities for Children in Rhode Island

Learning fun facts about Rhode Island can be a great reason for travel.  Homeschoolers in Rhode Island and out-of-towners should definitely plan a visit. Here are a few ideas to help you learn some more Rhode Island state facts:

• The Breakers (Newport):  See the expensive 19th-century summer “cottage” of the Vanderbilt family whose fortune was based on the steamship industry and later in the New York Central Railroad.  The audio family tour allows children to join friendly creatures (i.e., lions, dolphins, and dragons) as they explore a day in the life of the Vanderbilt children.  Visitors will learn about architecture, décor, design, and historic preservation. Walk along the famous Cliff Walk for views of the rocky shore as you pass more of the Gilded Age mansions.
• Herreshoff Marine Museum/America’s Cup Hall of Fame (Bristol):  Celebrate Rhode Island’s history of hosting the first America’s Cup in Newport in 1930.  See models and restored sailboats and learn about the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. Visit the museum’s displays and videos within the America’s Cup Hall of Fame.  Next to Narragansett Bay, the museum hosts yacht regattas, sailing classes, and instruction on classic yacht design and restoration.
• Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village (Providence):  Named after the principal founder of Rhode Island, this zoo has much to explore.  See exhibits related to North America, the rainforest, Africa, and farms. Follow the journey of Marco Polo to see the animals he may have encountered and learn about how animals adapt in order to survive.
• Rose Island Light (Newport): Take a guided tour of the 1870 lighthouse and grounds and see the restoration-in-progress of the 200-year-old Fort Hamilton.  Enjoy the gardens, view birds and marine life, and check out the tidal pools and beaches. Try canoeing, kayaking, or fishing.  Watch for annual events and consider taking a harbor cruise or staying the night!
• South County Museum (Narragansett):  Learn about Rhode Island’s past through this living history museum at the 19th-century estate of William Sprague, the state’s Civil War governor and postwar senator.  Visit farm animals and see the stable ruins and enjoy the gardens, meadows, woods, and salt marshes on the walking trails.  In the museum, see exhibits showcasing Native American people, a Victorian kitchen, a general store, and maritime artifacts, and let children explore on their own in the children’s corner.

Looking for more things to do with your kids in Rhode Island? Check out this post full of field trip ideas in Rhode Island!

Rhode Island Freebies and Deals for Homeschoolers

It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to learn more facts and information about Rhode island.  Below are just a few ideas:

• Colt State Park (Bristol):  Enjoy 464 acres of lawns, fruit trees, and flowering bushes with a western border of the park that opens onto Narragansett Bay.  Visit the history museum or play on its ten large playfields. Ride the four miles of bicycle trails or hike, fish, ride horses, or snowmobile.  There is only a small vehicle parking fee for basic access to the park.
• Fort Adams State Park (Newport):  Visit the coastal fort at the mouth of the harbor that was active from 1841 to the first half of the 20th century.  For recreation, enjoy fishing, boating, sports, and saltwater bathing.  Read the history of Fort Adams even if you cannot visit.  As with Colt State Park, a small vehicle fee will get you into the park.
• International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum (Newport):  Established in 1954, this is a place for all those who love the sport.  See almost 2,000 artifacts of tennis history through objects, videos, images, and publications.  Experience the holographic theater to interact with tennis great, Roger Federer and so much more.  Children 16 and under are always free, and Bank of America cardholders get free admission the first full weekend of every month.  Access the free lesson plans even if you cannot visit in person.
• Museum of Work and Culture (Woonsocket):  Experience daily life in late 19th-century and 20th-century mill towns of Rhode Island in this interactive museum.  Enjoy audio and film presentations, immersive exhibits, games, and hands-on activities.  Children under age 10 are free and homeschool families can receive free docent-guided tours.  Check out the free museum-related lesson plans as well!
• State House (Providence):  With just a few days’ notice, you can schedule a free guided tour of the Providence State House.  See the original Royal Charter of 1663 and other historical documents. Appreciate one of the world’s largest self-supported marble domes and observe the famous portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart.  View the “Independent Man” sitting at the top of the dome and showcasing Rhode Island’s spirit of freedom of thought and action.

Rhode Island Learning Games for Children

Have you learned enough interesting things about Rhode Island?  Test your knowledge of Rhode Island facts for students with these free games and activities:

Rhode Island Learning Games for Kids

Rhode Island Vocabulary List & Games

Rhode Island Crossword

Rhode Island Match It Sentences

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