If you’re planning a vacation to South County, Rhode Island, this summer, it makes sense to learn about the region before you arrive. You’ll probably look into things to do in South County and other information relevant to your vacation, but some insight into the area as a whole might also be beneficial.
While some details will be easy to come by, there are some more obscure facts about the Ocean State you might not have heard before. Although none of these facts are essential to your visit, they’re quirky and fun to learn as you prepare for your trip. They’ll also give you something to talk to locals about because there’s a good chance they won’t know these things either.
You have a lot to learn about Rhode Island, as this list barely scratches the surface. Here are four things you probably didn’t know about Rhode Island.
1) Its Founder Originated Many Concepts Found in the Constitution
As you prepare for your coastal Rhode Island vacation, you’ll undoubtedly come across the name Roger Williams at various times. The name Roger Williams is important to the state, as he founded Rhode Island in 1636 and has a university, a medical center, a park, a zoo, and many other landmarks named after him. You can’t escape the name Roger Williams when exploring Rhode Island.
However, what you might not know is that Williams settled in Rhode Island to escape religious persecution in Massachusetts Bay. Williams believed in free speech and freedom of religion and was banished for it. Later, his views, which were considered extreme at the time, were used by Thomas Jefferson and John Adams as the basis for the First Amendment in the United States Constitution.
2) The State is Home to a Corrosion Test Site
Point Judith is a central location in Narragansett that you should visit on your vacation. There’s a lovely beach and a beautiful lighthouse, and the site is close to a couple of top-rated state beaches with some of the most scenic views in the state.
A lesser-known fact about Point Judith is that it’s home to a corrosion test site. Materials are left outside for years and exposed to the damp ocean air and sun to see how they react. Aluminum producer Alcoa Corporation operates the site, and if you enter the Point Judith parking area, you can see the site directly beside it. This site isn’t overly exciting, but it’s interesting nonetheless.
3) The American Industrial Revolution Started in Rhode Island
The Industrial Revolution started in Great Britain in about 1760 and led to the rapid industrialization of manufacturing processes worldwide. The result was an altered global economy and the onset of significant technological development.
However, it might surprise you that the American Industrial Revolution started at Slater Mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on the shores of the Blackstone River. This spot was home to the country’s first cotton spinning mill, which opened in 1793. The United States entered an unprecedented growth period from there, but it all began at this small mill in Rhode Island.
If you venture to the Providence area during your vacation, you can still visit the mill and other consequential sites throughout the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor.
4) It’s the Smallest State in the Union
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the entire country. Yes, at just 1,045 square miles, it has less land than any other location in the United States, but fortunately for visitors, this small size means it’s easy to check out all the top sites.
Rhode Island is also the seventh-least populous state in the Union, with only about 1.07 million residents. Most of those residents live in Providence, too, which is excellent news if you book a vacation rental in South County because the area provides peace, quiet, and serenity that big cities can’t offer.
While the area gets busy in the summer, you can still find a secluded spot to call your own, which is why South County remains a popular summertime destination.
Getting to Know South County, Rhode Island
There’s a lot to love about South County, Rhode Island, and you’re sure to uncover more hidden facts as you explore. This area is full of history, has some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, and offers a surprisingly diverse dining scene, making it a top choice for your next vacation.