Rhode Island

Founded in 1636 by the exile Roger Williams as a refuge of religious liberty and church–state separation, Rhode Island was the most tolerant and contrarian of the colonies — the first to renounce allegiance to the Crown and the last of the thirteen to ratify the Constitution. The smallest state, it built a maritime trading and then textile-milling economy. Providence anchors its compact, urban core.

• Existed: 1636 CE – present
• Type: Entity
• Government: U.S. State
• Capital: Providence