Rhode Island, only about 77 miles long and 96 miles wide, is the smallest of the US states. Despite its small size, Rhode Island, known as the “Ocean State,” has over 400 miles of coastline.
Rhode Island was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, who had been exiled from the colony of Massachusetts for his advocacy of religious tolerance and the separation of church and state. During the colonial period, Newport was a major hub for shipping and trade, and 19th-century Rhode Island was at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution and the establishment of motor-driven textile mills.
Rhode Island hosted the first National Lawn Tennis Championship in 1899 and is home to the Tennis Hall of Fame. Famous Rhode Islanders include novelists Cormac MacCarthy and Jhumpa Lahiri, actor James Woods, television personality Meredith Vieira, and Civil War U.S. Army officer Ambrose Burnside.
Geography
Rhode Island is a small state located in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest state in terms of land area, with only 1,212 square miles. Rhode Island is bordered by Massachusetts to the north and east, Connecticut to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The capital of Rhode Island is Providence, which is also its largest city.
The geography of Rhode Island can be divided into four distinct regions: Narragansett Bay, South County, Blackstone Valley and West Bay. The Narragansett Bay region covers most of southeastern Rhode Island and includes cities such as Newport, Bristol and Warren. This area is characterized by its many bays and estuaries that provide great recreational opportunities for fishing, boating and swimming.
The South County region includes towns such as Wakefield, Charlestown and Westerly. This area has a more rural feel than other parts of Rhode Island with its rolling hills and wide open spaces that are perfect for hiking or biking. It also features several beaches along its coastline that make it an ideal summer getaway spot for beachgoers from all over New England.
The Blackstone Valley region runs along the Blackstone River from Pawtucket to Worcester in Massachusetts. This area has been home to many industries throughout history including textiles, paper mills, manufacturing plants and more recently technology companies like Hasbro headquarters in Pawtucket.
Finally, West Bay encompasses most of western Rhode Island including cities like Warwick and Cranston. This area has a mix of urban development as well as some rural areas like Coventry which provide a unique balance between city life and nature-oriented activities like hiking or camping at nearby parks such as Colt State Park or Arcadia State Park.
Overall, Rhode Island’s geography provides a great variety of landscapes ranging from bustling urban centers to peaceful rural areas perfect for outdoor recreation activities or simply enjoying a stroll along one of its many beaches or trails while admiring nature’s beauty up close. Whether you’re looking for a day trip away from your busy life or just want to explore this unique little state’s diverse terrain – you won’t be disappointed.
Cities in Rhode Island
Below are the top 15 cities by population in Rhode Island. For all cities and towns in the state, please see Rhode Island cities list.
| Rank | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Providence | 188,812 |
| 2 | Warwick | 82,666 |
| 3 | Cranston | 82,654 |
| 4 | Pawtucket | 75,200 |
| 5 | East Providence | 47,171 |
| 6 | Woonsocket | 43,044 |
| 7 | Cumberland | 36,186 |
| 8 | Coventry | 35,386 |
| 9 | North Providence | 33,935 |
| 10 | South Kingstown | 31,576 |
| 11 | West Warwick | 30,823 |
| 12 | Johnston | 29,550 |
| 13 | North Kingstown | 27,696 |
| 14 | Newport | 25,322 |
| 15 | Westerly | 23,352 |
Counties in Rhode Island
The State of Rhode Island consists of 5 counties. They are:
- Bristol County, Rhode Island
- Kent County, Rhode Island
- Newport County, Rhode Island
- Providence County, Rhode Island
- Washington County, Rhode Island
