By Laney Burke and Kate Pisani Rhode Island By Laney Burke and Kate Pisani

Facts about the colony Was the colony a success or failure? In the beginning the colony was very small but successful. As time went on more people added to this success. When was the colony founded? 1636. Part of the New England Colonies Founded by Roger Williams

Why was Rhode Island established? The colony was created because Roger Williams was banished to England. He fled and started a province with the Narraganset indians. When Anne Hutchinson was banished and formed Portsmouth they both got permission from England to join together to create Rhode island. It was also established so the native americans could have religious and political freedom.

How Rhode Island made money Major Industry: Fishing and whaling Manufacturing of ships and rum Some farming livestock products. Agriculture Fish Breweries and distilleries producing rum

Natives to the Colony Nipmuc Pequot Wampanoag Narraganset.

Government In 1651 England claimed the right to appoint a governor for Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, with a provincial council, to be elected by the freeholders and accepted by the King. On July 15, 1663 King Charles II granted the Charter of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. In 1775 Rhode Island was governed as a Charter Colony.

Map of the colony

Rhode Island’s old flag Description: The most prominent feature: The anchor which dates back to 1647. Then when a more liberal charter bestowed the anchor was sealed and the word hope was added. During the American Revolution, the war of 1812, and the Mexican war blue and white were flown. Also the 13 stars were represented for the 13 colonies. Today’s flag is pretty much the same as adopted in 1897. Below the anchor there is a blue ribbon which also has the state motto in it which is “hope.”

Roger Williams Description: Religious dissenter and founder of Rhode Island Advocate of religious toleration and separation of the church and the state. Framed a colony government and devoted to protecting individual “liberty of conscience” Founded the first baptist church and edited the first native american dictionary. He rejected the moderate theology of puritanism and embraced separatism. Banished from Massachusetts in 1636. In his own colony he could not resolve political conflicts. His death went unnoticed mainly. The American Revolution transformed him into a local hero.

Geography and Climate Geography: Classified as one of the New England colonies There was: Flat with rolling hills Lots of coastline Rivers Poor rocky soil which made it difficult to farm. Climate: coldest of the three regions Mild short summers Long cold winters

Religion Jews Quakers Baptist Other minority religions

Food in the colony Johnnycakes- Chowder Clam fritters Mixing together hot water, salt, and cornmeal. Chowder Clam fritters Cranberry muffins Pumpkin bread Cherrystone clams and quahog- very abundant Molasses candy

Education In the New England Colonies, they were strongly puritans and valued children’s education Rhode Island was no different, other than the colonists being religiously tolerant. Rhode Island was the only colony not to provide compulsory elementary education. The children learned to read from the bible and the “New England Primer” The school year was generally four months.

Fun activities They had toys to play with Card games Fishing Children invented some games also: Blind Man’s Buff Jackstones Wooden toys and Scotch-hoppers

Interesting Facts There was no religious freedom in the areas inhabited by the Puritans as they did not tolerate any other form of religion. The first Colonists arrived from England aboard the Ark and the Dove. In 1638 the Portsmouth compact was signed. By 1761, Rhode Island had 22 distilleries and three sugar refineries. The Colony became a state on May 29, 1790.