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Jan 1, 1485
Verrazzano explored Narragansett Bay
Giovanni da Verrazzano explored Narragansett Bay and coastline because he was sent to explore that area. -
First Rhode Island Settler
William Blackstone was the first Rhode Island settler -
Providence Founded
Rodger Williams founded Providence because he was banished from Massachusetts for religious exile. -
First Baptist Church Founded
Rodger Williams created the Baptist Church (religion) in Providence because he wanted to create his own religion that was perfect in his eyes. -
Rhode Island Forms Unified Government
The colonists created their first General Assembly in Providence to create laws and to enforce them. -
Rhode Island Charter Granted
(John Clarke made) King Charles II granted the Rhode Island Royal Charter to give Rhode Islander their religious and governmental freedom -
King Philip's War
Metacom waged war in the New England colonies because the English kept pushing the Natives back (and he suspected the English of killing his brother). -
Rhode Island Charter Suspended
King Charles II suspended the Rhode Island Royal Charter to create the Dominion of New England. -
Rhode Island Prohibits Slave Imports
The Continental Congress banned slavery in some states to show that they didn’t want to trade with Britain (and because they didn’t need them). -
Rhode Island Declared Independence
The General Assembly of Rhode Island declared independence to formally break ties with King George III. -
British Evacuate Rhode Island
The British took over Providence, Newport, and the rest of Rhode Island in hopes of taking back America. -
Catholics Received Rights in Rhode Island
Catholics asked the mostly Baptist government for rights, and finally received them. -
Rhode Island Becomes 13th State
Rhode Island became the thirteenth colony of the United States on May 29th, 1790 after ratifying the Constitution. -
First Textile Mill
Samuel Slater developed the first textile mill in America to fit local colonial needs -
Rhode Island Refused to Join in the War of 1812
Rhode Islanders refused to participate in the War of 1812 because they still felt some ties to Britain. -
State Constitution Adopted
Rhode Islanders adopted their state constitution to show they were a state with their own government, as well. -
Rhode Island Fights in Civil War
13% of Rhode Islanders enlisted in the Civil war to fight for the Northern cause against slavery. -
Racial Segregation Abolished
Rhode Island abolished slavery because the Northern states won and that was te new law. -
First Phone Call To/From Providence
Rutherford Hayes made the first call from Rocky Point to Providence. -
The Breakers Mansion Begins Construction
Ross R. Winans called for the building of the Breakers Mansion on an exposed cliff facing Pirates Cove. -
Newport Sex Scandal
The US Navy investigated “illicit sexual behavior” in the Navy personnel in Newport, Rhode Island. -
Frank Sayles Dies
-Frank Sayles died after furthering the textile companies in Rhode Island -
Immigrants flood Rhode Island Ports
Immigrants were flooding into Rhode Island’s ports because of the intolerance of slavery and the opportunity in work forces. -
Working Class Booms
The Rhode Island working class booms because of the recent income of African Americans. -
New England Hurricane Struck
The most destructive and deadly tropical cyclone to impact the New England area. -
Hurricane Carol
One of the worst tropical cyclones to hit Rhode Island -
Newport Bridge
The bridge was constructed from 1966 to 1969 at a cost of U.S.$54,742,000 by the Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Quade & Douglas company. -
Blizzard of '78
The Northeastern United States blizzard of 1978[1][2] was a catastrophic, historic nor'easter that struck New England, New Jersey, and the New York metropolitan area. The "Blizzard of '78" formed on Sunday, February 5, 1978, and broke up on February 7.[3] -
World Prodigy Oil Spill
In June, 1989 the Greek tanker World Prodigy ran aground in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island releasing approximately 290,000 gallons of number 2 fuel oil. -
Hurricane Irene
Hurricane Irene was a large and destructive tropical cyclone, which affected much of the Caribbean and East Coast of the United States during late August 2011.
