Rhode Island ranks 43rd on the list of most populated states, but for an area that is no more than 48 miles long and 37 miles wide it has plenty going on. Much of what's noteworthy is happening in the state's capital, Providence, which offers everything from a fascinating history, to electric nightlife, arts and culture, and fun family activities.
It's the most populated city with more than 178,000 residents, and is home to a plethora of industries. But how well do you know the state's capital?
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The following are five notable facts about Providence:
1. Providence is the birthplace of George M. Cohan, the musician who wrote "It's a Grand Old Flag" and "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy," among others.
2. Providence ranks number two in
Travel and Leisure Magazine's 2015 America's Best Cities for Foodies. The city also has the most restaurants per capita. There is fresh seafood from the Narragansett Bay and many restaurants owned and staffed by current and former students of the prestigious Johnson and Wales University.
3. Roger Williams, a preacher forced to flee from Massachusetts because of religious persecution, founded Providence in 1636 when he bought the land from the Narragansett Indians. He intended his new territory to be a bastion of religious and political tolerance and acceptance.
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4. In 1954, Hurricane Carol caused over $41 million in damage with winds up to 100 miles per hour and left parts of Providence under eight feet of water.
5. Residents of Providence were the first to take military action against England at the start of the American Revolution by grounding and burning one of her ships, The Gaspee, in the Narragansett Bay located between Newport and
Providence, according to History.com.
When British investigators arrived in Rhode Island, the locals remained tight-lipped and refused to give up any names. An annual festival is now held to celebrate the burning of The Gaspee.
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