History of Rhode Island United States of America

Our database does not include an historic photo for Rhode Island, do you have one you would like to contribute? Contact Us!

Local History Notes:

The 1854 Gazetteer of the United States by Thomas Baldwin shows:

RHODE ISLAND, one of the original states of the American confederacy, and the smallest, is bounded on the N. and E. by Massachusetts, on the S. by the Atlantic, and W. by the State of Connecticut. It lies between 41° 18' and 42° N. lat., and between 71° 8' and 71° 52' W. lon., being about 47 miles in extreme length from north to south, and 37 in greatest breadth from east to west, including an area of 1306 miles, or 835,840 acres, 356,487 of which were improved in 1850. One-tenth of the state is occupied by Narraganset bay.

Population.-In 1790, there were 69,110 inhabitants; 69,122 in 1800; 77,031 in 1810; 83,059 in 1820; 97,199 in 1830; 108,830 in 1840; 147,544 in 1850; of whom 70,417 were white males; 73,583 white females; 1600 colored males; 1884 colored females. There were in the same year, 28,216 families, occupying 22,379 dwellings. Of the entire population, 102,641 were born in the state, 21,658 in other states, 4490 in England, 15,944 in Ireland, 1000 in Scotland and Wales, 230 in Germany, 80 in France, 343 in other countries, and 135 whose places of birth west unknown-nearly 15 per cent. of foreign birth. 64 were deaf and dumb, of whom 3 were colored; 64 blind, of whom 3 were colored; 252 insane, of whom 4 were colored, and 107 idiots, of whom 3 were colored. There occurred in the twelve months preceding June 1st 1850, 2241 deaths, or about 15 in every one thousand persons; in the same time, 2560 paupers received aid, of whom 1445 were foreigners, at an expense of nearly $18 for each pauper.

Counties.-Rhode Island is divided into 5 counties, viz. Bristol, Kent, Newport, Providence, and Washington. Block island, in the Atlantic, and several small islands in Narraganset bay, are included in Newport county. Capitals, Providence and Newport alternately.

Cities and Towns.-Providence, with a population of 41,512, is the largest town in the state, besides which there are Newport, 9563; Bristol, 4616; Smithfield, Pawtucket, East Greenwich, Warren, Slatersville, and several smaller places, whose populations are so blended with the towns (townships) in which they are situated, as to make it difficult to separate them.

Face of the Country.-Rhode Island is generally hilly and rough, but has no elevations approaching to what is generally understood by mountains. Mount Hope, in the eastern part of the state, Woonsocket Hills in the N., and Hopkins' Hill, near the middle of the state, are the most considerable elevations, but even they are of no great height. Near the Atlantic, and on the borders of Nappaganset bay, is considerable level land.

Minerals.-Anthracite coal, to some extent, has been found, but either because inferior in quality or quantity, has not been extensively mined. Iron too is found, and limestone, marble, and serpentine, but this state is not remarkable for mineral productions.

Rivers, Bays, and Islands.-There are no large rivers in Rhode Island; the principal streams are the Pawtucket and Pautuxent the first entering the N. E. of the state from Massachusetts, and both emptying into Narraganset bay. The Pawcatuck and its branches, flowing into the Atlantic, drain the S. W. part of the state. Narraganset bay, a noble sheet of water crowded with picturesque islands, projects into the state for 30 miles in a northerly direction. Its width is about 12 miles, including the islands. It has several arms, mostly on the E. side, bearing different names, as Bristol bay, Providence bay, &c. It is navigable to Providence for large vessels, and the harbor of Newport is one of the deepest and best in the United States. Though the rivers of this state are small, their rapid descents furnish great water-power, which has built up several manufacturing towns, such as Pawtucket, Slatersville, &c., on their banks.

Islands.-Rhode Island has several islands, the principal of which has an area of about 37 square miles, and gives its name to the state. Block island, in the Atlantic, about 10 miles from the state, and Conanicut and Prudence islands, both in Narraganset bay, are the other most important islands.

Objects of Interest to Tourists.-On the S. W. shore of the island of Rhode Island, stands Newport, the most fashionable bathing-place on the Atlantic coast, though the number of visitants is not so great as at Cape May. The island affords fine rides and fine views, and the bay excellent fishing. It is said 60 varieties of fin and shell fish are caught here. On Conanicut island are the ruins of a circular fort, occupying an eminence at the entrance of the bay.

Climate, Soil, and Productions.-The proximity of Rhode Island to the sea has the effect to temper the severity of winter, as well as to mitigate the heats of summer. Its climate is very similar to Massachusetts and Connecticut. The soil is moderately fertile, but rough and difficult of cultivation in many parts. The soil upon the islands is better than on the mainland. The island of Rhode Island is particularly noted for its cattle, sheep, butter, and cheese. The farmer in all parts of the state devotes his attention more to grazing and the dairy than to tillage. According to the census of 1850, there were in the state 356,487 acres of improved land, divided into 5385 farms, and producing 539,201 bushels of Indian corn; 215,232 of oats; 651,029 of Irish potatoes; 5036 of grass seeds; 129,692 pounds of wool; 995,670 of butter; 316,508 of cheese, and 74,818 tons of hay; besides considerable quantities of rye, peas, beans, barley, beeswax and honey, and small quantities of wheat, buckwheat, wine, hops, and flax. Value of orchard fruits, $63,994, (Rhode Island is celebrated for its apples;) market products, $98,298; live stock, $1,532,637, and slaughtered animals, $667,486. There are no extensive forests in Rhode Island. The principal forest-trees are oak, chestnut, and walnut, with some pine and cedar-the latter rare.

Manufactures.-Rhode Island, from its abundant supply of water-power, has become extensively engaged in manufacturing, and the first cotton mill in the United States was erected within her limits. There were in 1850, 1144 manufacturing establishments in the state producing $500 a year and upwards. In proportion to her population, this state ranks first in the product of her cotton, and second in that of her woollen manufactures. According to the census of 1850, she had 158 cotton factories, employing $6,675,000 of capital, and 4959 male and 5916 female hands, consuming $3,484,579 worth of raw material, and producing 96,725,612 yards of stuffs, and 1,902,980 pounds of thread and yarn, valued at $6,447,120; 45 woollen factories, employing $1,013,000 of capital, and 987 male and 771 female hands, consuming $1,463,900 worth of raw material, and producing 8,612,400 yards of cloth, and 46,000 pounds of yarn, valued at $2,381,825; 21 forges, furnaces, &c., employing $636,000 of capital, and 1020 male hands, consuming $370,017 worth of raw material, and producing 11,208 tons of castings and wrought iron, &c., valued at $951,105; $17,000 invested in the manufacture of malt and spirituous liquors, consuming 12,500 bushels of barley, and 6 tons of hops, employing 6 hands, and producing 3900 barrels of ale, &c.; and 10 tanneries, employing $42,900 capital, consuming raw material worth $40,615, and producing manufactured leather valued at $75,040. Homemade manufactures valued at $26,495 were also produced.

Commerce.-Rhode Island is actively engaged in the coasting trade, and has besides some foreign commerce. Her tonnage in 1852 was 41,049 3/95; foreign imports, $201,680; exports, $179,175; tonnage entered, 20,350; cleared, 16,929; and number of vessels built, 14, with a tonnage of 3204 84/95. Of the tonnage, 7470 25/95 was engaged in the whale, 198 32/95 in the cod, and 361 70/95 in the mackerel fishery. Her exports are principally manufactured cottons and woollens, some butter, cheese, and apples.

Internal Improvements.-In January, 1853, there were in Rhode Island 56 miles of railway completed, and 32 in course of construction. Providence is connected with Boston and Stonington by direct lines of railway, and also with Worcester, in Massachusetts. The Blackstone canal is now, we believe, the track of the Worcester and Providence railroad. A road is projected and nearly finished which will unite Providence with Hartford, and from thence directly with New York, Fishkill, and various other places.

Education.-Great attention has been paid to education in this state. Brown University, at Providence, is a flourishing institution, and has made some important changes in the system of instruction and mode of conferring degrees, with the intent of allowing young men to select their studies with reference to future plans or tastes.-See Table of Colleges, APPENDIX. The school fund of the state, invested in bank stock, amounts to $56,314. Annually, $35,000 is paid from the state treasury for public instruction. In 1852 the average attendance of scholars was 19,719, and number registered, 26,712. Total amount expended for schools, $109,767, of which $55,488 was raised by towns. Male teachers 256; female teachers, 313.

Religious Denominations.-Of 221 churches in Rhode Island in 1850, the Baptists owned 100; Christians, 7; Congregationalists, 21; Episcopalians, 26; Friends, 18; Methodists, 23; Roman Catholics, 7; Union Church, 4; Unitarians, 4; and Universalists, 4. The rest were divided among the Free Church, Jews, Mariners, Second Adventists, and Swedenborgian sects-giving 1 church to 667 inhabitants. Value of church property, $1,252,900. -See Table of Religions, APPENDIX. Public Institutions.-The state prison at Providence had 47 inmates, all males, in September, 1851. The expenses in 1851 were $9851.27, and the receipts only $2761.41. The convicts are mostly employed in shoe-making. There are contributed annually by the legislature $2500 for the benefit of the blind, deaf, dumb, and idiotic, and $1000 for the benefit of the Butler Hospital at Providence. But the most important of these institutions (inasmuch as prevention and reform are better than punishment) is the Providence Reform School for juvenile offenders, opened November, 1850. There were committed to this institution 59 boys and 3 girls in the year 1851, of whom 45 remained in November of that year. The inmates devote 7 1/2 hours to labor, and 5 to school exercises, of each 24 hours.

Government, Finances, &c.-The executive power is lodged in a governor and lieutenant-governor, elected annually by the people, and receiving, the former $400, and the latter $200 per annum The legislative power consists of a senate of 31, and a house of representatives of 72 members, both elected annually by the people. The secretary of state, treasurer, and attorney-general are all elected annually by popular vote. The governor and lieutenant-governor are ex officio members of the senate. The judiciary consists of a supreme court, composed of 1 chief and 3 associate judges, one of whom holds a court of common pleas in each county. The judges hold office until removed by a joint resolution of both houses. The chief justice receives $900 per annum, and the associates $550 each. Rhode Island has no state debt, except the portion of her loan of the United States surplus fund, which amounts to $382,335.23. Ordinary expenses, $50,000, exclusive of debt and schools. School fund, $56,314.37. Assessed value of property in 1850, $77,758,974. Number of banks in September, 1852, in the entire state, 71, with an aggregate capital of $14,037,441, a circulation of $3,322,314, and $414,970 in coin.

History.-Rhode Island was first settled at Providence, in 1636, by the enlightened Roger Williams, who had been banished from the Massachusetts colony, for alleged religious and political heresies. To Lord Baltimore, Penn, and Williams is generally accorded the honor of being the first to establish governments admitting the principles of religious toleration. In 1638 William Coddington and 17 others being persecuted in Massachusetts, on account of their religious tenets, followed Roger Williams and settled at Newport. A third settlement was formed at Warwick in 1642, by a party under Samuel Groton. Each of these companies purchased their lands of the Narragansets, and continued an independent association until united by a civil charter in 1643, under the title of "Providence Plantations." In 1663, Charles II. granted a new charter, which, with a few changes, formed the basis of the government until the adoption of the present constitution in May, 1843. In the early part of 1842, the "suffrage party," as it was termed, proceeding illegally, framed a new constitution, and adopted it as the basis of legislation. Having elected a senate, house of representatives, and Thomas W. Dorr a governor, they attempted to maintain their authority by force of arms, but were dispersed by the military of the state. A convention, legally called, assembled in the September following, and after consultation agreed upon the present constitution, which, being submitted to the people, was adopted almost unanimously. Rhode Island early took an active part in the cause of American independence. The Stamp Act was resisted by her with great firmness, and when the importation of military stores was prohibited by the English government, the inhabitants seized the cannon in the public batteries, and the general assembly passed resolutions for arming the people. In December, 1776, Rhode Island was invaded by the British, under General Clinton, who occupied it till near the close of the war. General Sullivan, aided by the French war ships, made several unsuccessful attempts to dislodge the enemy, and in the autumn of 1778 laid siege to Newport, but was finally obliged to abandon the project. Towards the close of 1779 the British troops were withdrawn from Rhode Island, and in 1780 Rochambeau arrived with a force of 6000 French auxiliaries. The Providence Plantations joined with the other colonies in holding the old Continental Congress, and was among the first to direct her delegates to sign the Articles of Confederation, to which she adhered with great pertinacity. But at length, after all her associates had adopted the Constitution of the United States, she yielded, and was admitted as the thirteenth state, May 29th, 1790.

Biographies:

William Cole Cozzens, governor of Rhode Island, was born in Newport, R.I., Aug. 26, 1811. He was educated at Levi Tower's school and became a successful merchant. In 1854 he was elected mayor of Newport and represented his town in the general assembly for several years. He was state senator, 1861-63, and in 1863 was president of the senate and when Lieutenant-Governor Arnold succeeded Governor Sprague first as governor and then as U.S. senator, Cozzens became governor of the state and served from March 4, to May 1, 1863, during an important period of the civil war. He died in Newport, R.I.; Dec. 17, 1876.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Byron Diman, governor of Rhode Island, was born in Bristol, R.I., Aug. 5, 1795; son of Jeremiah and Hannah (Luther) Diman. He attended Bishop Griswold's private school and at an early age entered the counting house of James DeWolf. He was largely interested in whale fishery and also in the cotton industry. He was for many years a member of the state legislature and during the Dorr war was a member of the governor's council. He was lieutenant-governor, 1843-46, and in the latter year was elected governor of the state, serving one term and afterward declining all public office. He was twice married; first to Abby Alden, daughter of the Rev. Henry Wright. D.D., and second to Elizabeth Ann Liscomb. He died in Bristol, R.I., Aug. 1, 1865.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

John Brown Francis, governor of Rhode Island, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., May 31, 1791; son of John and Abby (Brown) Francis; and grandson of Tench Francis, 1730-1800, merchant, agent of the Penn family and first cashier of the Bank of North America, Philadelphia, Pa. His father died during his childhood and he was adopted by his maternal grandfather, John Brown, one of the "Four Brothers" of Providence, R.I. He was graduated at Brown university in 1808, was a clerk in the counting house of Brown & Ives, a law student at Litchfield, Conn., and on inheriting the property of his paternal grandfather in Philadelphia, spent some time in that city. He represented the town of Warwick in the General assembly, 1821-29; was a state senator, 1831-33; and governor of Rhode Island, 1833-38. He was defeated in the election of 1838 and for a time retired from political life. In 1842 he represented the law and order party in the state senate, and in 1844 was elected to fill the unexpired term of Senator William Sprague, resigned, in the U.S. senate, serving until March 4, 1845. He was again a state senator in 1845-56. He was a trustee of Brown university, 1828-57, and a chancellor, 1841-54. He was married in 1822 to Anne Carter, only daughter of Nicholas Brown. She died in 1828, and in 1832 he was married to his cousin, the daughter of Thomas Willing Francis of Philadelphia. Governor Francis died at Spring Green, Warwick, R.I., Aug. 9, 1864.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Charles Jackson, governor of Rhode Island, was born in Providence, R.I., March 3, 1797; son of Richard and Nabby (Wheaton) Jackson, and descended from Stephen Jackson, born in Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1700, who to escape political persecution, came to America about 1724 and settled in Providence, R.I., in 1745, as a "schoolmaster." Charles was graduated from Brown university, A.B., 1817, A.M., 1820. He studied law in the office of James Burrill; was admitted to the bar in 1820, and practiced in Providence, R.I., 1820-23. Finding his profession not adapted to his enterprise, he engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods. His first attempt at spinning was in a small mill at Scituate in 1823. This was one of the first mills in the United States to use power looms. He founded the town of Jacksonville, R.I.; returned to Providence, R.I., in 1839, and was an active member in the Crompton company for over twenty years. Mr. Jackson was the first to establish the rubber business in Providence, having obtained from Mr. Goodyear a patent, which he afterward sold to Dr. Isaac Hartshorn. He also engaged in the manufacture of fire-arms and established a factory at Bristol, R.I., afterward removing it to Providence, where it was continued under the name of the "Burnside Rifle Works." The business was successful for a time, but the demand for rifles becoming limited, he engaged in the manufacture of locomotives. He was a representative in the state legislature; speaker of the house. 1841-42; member of the Rhode Island constitutional convention in 1843, and governor of the state, 1845-46. One of his first acts upon taking office as governor was the liberation of Thomas W. Dorr , who had been sentenced to imprisonment for life upon a charge of treason. He was twice married: first, Nov. 20, 1827, to Catharine, daughter of Samuel Dexter, of Providence, who died in Scituate in June, 1832, and secondly, Nov. 24, 1836, to Phoebe, daughter of Joseph Tisdale, of North Kingstown, R.I. Governor Jackson died in Providence, R.I., Jan. 21, 1876.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Rhode Island

Local History Notes:

Biographies:

Local History and Genealogy Links: