Roger Williams established the earliest permanent settlement in Rhode Island at Providence in 1636 on property obtained from the Narragansett Indians. Forced to run away from Massachusetts because of harassment, Williams established a rule of religious and political freedom in his new settlement. Other leaders supporting freedom of worship quickly established similar societies on either side of Narragansett Bay. These societies united, and in 1663 King Charles II of England granted them a royal contract, providing for a greater level of self-government than any other colony in the New World, promoting the continuation of freedom of religion.

The early 1700s was a period of success for Rhode Island. Farming and sea trading became the most thriving trades. Providence and Newport were among the busiest ports in the New World. In spite of making profits from the slave trade, Rhode Island was the earliest colony to make the importation of slaves, illegal. When the Revolutionary War started, the people of Rhode Island were amongst the first migrants to take action against British rule by attacking British vessels. On May 4, 1776, the first colony to give up loyalty towards Great Britain and announce independence was Rhode Island.

The independent spirit of Rhode Island was evident even at the close of the Revolutionary War. Rhode Island was the last of the 13 original colonies to approve the U.S. Constitution, demanding that the Bill of Rights, which secures individual freedom, be added. At the same time, as industrialization increased, Rhode Island’s cities expanded. New people in search of employment opportunities came from a score of countries, mostly from Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, and French Canada. Over the years, as these people became a part of Rhode Island’s industrial structure, the state gained a reputation for its manufacturing skill and quality, which is still a significant asset for the state’s economy.

Bank of America City Center: For the skater in the family the Bank of America City Center is an amazing must-see. Comprised of over 14,000 square feet of skating area, that in the summer welcomes roller bladders and in the winter ice skaters, the B of A City Center is a year-round attraction. Shop in the gift shop or relax in the visitor’s center.

Providence-Newport Water Ferry: Travel from Providence to Barrington or Bristol by hopping aboard the Providence-Newport Water Ferry. Relax, watching the beautiful shoreline as the ferry carries you down the coast. Even the kids will get a thrill counting the gulls and seeing who can spot a pelican or a fish jumping out of the water.

The Rhode Island School of Design Museum: The Rhode Island School of Design is a world-renowned art and design school. The museum displays over 80,000 pieces of art and design. You don’t have to be artistic to appreciate the innovation and talent represented by the museum’s collection.

Roger Williams Park Zoo: Consider by many to be the East Coast’s version of the San Diego Zoo on the West Coast, the Roger Williams Park Zoo is home to almost 1,000 exotic animals. Tour the facilities, enjoying the many penguins, polar bears, tigers and elephants on display at this beautiful wildlife sanctuary.

Prospect Terrace Park: A huge statue of Roger Williams, Rhode Island’s founder, stands in the center of this beautiful expanse of park.

Brown University: One of the first institutes of higher learning established in the earliest days of the country. Today the campus is an eclectic mixture of historic and modern architecture, worthy of a guided tour of the grounds.

Providence Train Station: Visit the newly remodeled station across the street from the Rhode Island State House. It is also within walking distance of many downtown hotels, and an easy drive to other attractions such as the Waterplace Park and the Providence Place Mall.

Culinary Archives and Museum: The aspiring cook or chef will find the collection of hundreds of thousands of recipes and cooking documents absolute amazing.

Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum: A National Historical Landmark, this Victorian mansion features hand-painted ceilings and walls. Visitors will be awed by the amazingly intricately carved woodwork.

Providence Children’s Museum: Kids, young and old, will appreciate the fun and interactive exhibits are the Providence Children’s Museum. Kids and parents alike will find fascinating the “pick-a-pet” exhibit that helps families determine what type of pet would be the best for them.