Rhode Island

The Ocean State

Rhode Island is America's smallest state by land area, yet it possesses a rich maritime history, long coastline, historic communities, manufacturing heritage, and a distinctive New England character. Native peoples lived throughout the region long before European settlements developed during the 1600s. Rhode Island became one of the original thirteen states and built an economy around fishing, shipbuilding, maritime trade, farming, and later manufacturing. Providence developed into the state capital and largest city, while Newport became famous for its harbor, sailing traditions, colonial architecture, and later its grand seaside estates. During the Industrial Revolution, Rhode Island became an important center for textile manufacturing, jewelry, machinery, and other products. Its many bays, islands, beaches, and coastal communities helped inspire the nickname the Ocean State. Today Rhode Island combines education, healthcare, design, tourism, marine industries, manufacturing, food, and small business with its traditional maritime economy. From Narragansett Bay and Block Island to Providence neighborhoods and Newport's waterfront, Rhode Island demonstrates how much history and character can fit within a small place. Its story is one of the sea, craftsmanship, enterprise, immigration, architecture, and generations of New England communities living close to the water.

I've been there.
I know that place.
Rhode Island is part of my story.

RHODE ISLAND
The Ocean StateExplore the places. Learn their stories. Remember the journey.

MILEAMERICA
Wear the Journey.