History:

Did you know … In 1776 Rhode Island became the first colony to declare independence from Great Britain. But it was the last of the original thirteen colonies to ratify (or sign) the U.S. Constitution in order to join the Union; Rhode Island’s delegates insisted that the Bill of Rights, which guarantees certain freedoms, be added to the Constitution before they’d sign. Rhode Island became the 13th state to join the Union on May 29, 1790. Dutch explorer Adriaen Block arrived in 1614, which was about 90 years after Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano arrived and had mapped out most of Rhode island’s coastline. Block further mapped out the coastline including Narragansett Bay and Block Island, which was named after him. LEARN MORE: HERE & HERE.

Agriculture and Industry:

Did you know …  In 1790, English immigrant Samuel Slater founded the first textile mill in the United States in Pawtucket, Rhode Island (Slater Mill) and became known as the father of the American industrial revolution. During the 19th century, Rhode Island became one of the most industrialized states in the United States with large numbers of textile factories. The state also had significant machine tool, silverware, and costume jewelry industries. However, with the Great Depression, most textile factories relocated to southern U.S. states. Since Rhode Island is the smallest state it does not support large agricultural pursuits. In terms of revenue generated Rhode Island's top five agricultural products are greenhouse and nursery products, sweet corn, dairy products, potatoes, and cattle and calves. Today, much of the economy of Rhode Island is based in services, particularly healthcare and education, fishing, and still manufacturing to some extent.  LEARN MORE: HERE, HERE, & HERE.

State Bird and State Flower

Did you know …  The official State Bird of Rhode Island is the Rhode Island Red Chicken.  The Rhode Island Red Chicken, also called the Red Hen, was designated the official state bird of Rhode Island in 1954. A portrait of the Rhode Island Red was presented to Governor Roberts. It had been painted in the 1920s by Arthur O. Schilling, the United States’ leading poultry artist. LEARN MORE: HERE & HERE.

The official State Flower of Rhode Island is the Violet.  Rhode Island was the last state to adopt an official state flower. Although the delicate, beautiful violet (viola sororia) was voted as the state flower by Rhode Island's school children in 1897, the flower was not officially adopted by the state legislature until 1968. LEARN MORE: HERE & HERE.

Newport, RI

Did you know …  Rhode Island is the first state we’ve visited where its State Capital is also its largest city, Providence.  However, its city that is most rich with history is Newport. Newport is a seaside city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island. By the turn of the 20th century, many of the nation's wealthiest families were summering in Newport, including the Vanderbilts, Astors, and the Widener family, who constructed the largest "cottages", such as The Breakers (1895) and Miramar. Today, it is known as a New England summer resort and famous for its mansions. It is also the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport, which houses the United States Naval War College, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and a major United States Navy training center. 

Here's a list of a few of the 33 listed "Newport Firsts" fun facts:

• 1657: Newport operated the first ferry service in the nation.
• 1687: Newport was the first city to pass a traffic ordinance.
• 1716: Schoolhouse in Portsmouth is built, and today is the oldest schoolhouse in the United States.
• 1774: Newport hosted the first circus in the country.
• 1803: The first gas-illuminated streetlights in United States were lit on Newport’s Pelham Street.
• 1866: Newport was the site of the first public roller skating rink in the United States,
• 1884: Newport is home to the oldest US Naval War College.
• 1895: Newport hosted golf’s first Amateur Championship at Newport Country Club.
• 1895: Newport hosted golf’s first US Open at Newport Country Club.
• 1895: Newport was home to the first auto race.
• 1899: Newport was home to the first National Lawn Tennis Championships.
• 1930-1983: The prestigious America’s Cup, the oldest trophy in international sport, was raced in the waters off Newport.
• 1975: The Cliff Walk became the first designated National Recreation Trail in New England.
• 1995 and 1996: Newport hosted the first two years of the ESPN X-Games.

LEARN MORE: HERE & HERE.

Fun Facts

Did you know …  Rhode Island is also called the Ocean State.  Rhode Island is nicknamed the Ocean State because it has more than 400 miles of coastline. Everyone in the state lives within a half-hour drive to the sea! The state is best known for its scenic shores and seaside colonial towns, and it’s a popular destination for sailing, surfing, and fishing. Some famous Rhode Islanders include: Roger Williams - an Englishman who, in 1636, found the first permanent European settlement in Rhode island called “Providence Plantations”; Nathanael Greene - a Revolutionary War general and George Washington’s second in command; Gilbert Stuart - America’s foremost portraitists who painted the portrait of George Washington that is printed on the $1 bill; and Nap Lajoie – baseball player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. LEARN MORE: HERE, HERE, & HERE.

Checkout this YouTube Video on Rhode Island!

Did you know that for over 50 years Newport was the perfect venue for sailing’s beloved competition to win the oldest and most prestigious trophy, the America’s Cup?

Here are some sailing and sailboat  jokes to make you giggle:

Q: What do sailors play when they’re bored?

A: Cards – because they always have a deck.

Q: Why did the captain hire a cleaning service?

A: His sailboat was looking dinghy.

Q: Why did the sailboat want to dance with the motor boat?

A: Because he liked her a yacht.

Q: What detergent do sailors use?

A: Tide!

Q: How do you make a sick sailboat feel better?

A: Give it some Vitamin Sea.

Q: Where do ghosts like to go sailing?

A: Lake Eerie

Q: Where do you take a sick sailboat?

A: To the nearest doc.

Q: How do ocean sailors say hello to each other?

A: They wave.

Q: Why did the sailboat crash into the dock.

A: It was closer than it a-PIER-ed

"Hello Ocean"

(in English and Spanish)

by Pam Munoz Ryan

"A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea"

(Read and Sing Along)

by Barefoot Books

"The Reef Cup"

by Smile and Learn

Click the button, below, & enjoy the very first episode of "Story Time With Miss Trudy!"

Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay is famous for its clams. Fried clam cakes, clam chowder, steamers (steamed clams), and stuffed clams (stuffies) are favorite snacks. "Stuffies” are purely a Rhode Island creation and is the signature Ocean State clam dish. These stuffed clams are traditionally flavored with onion, celery, and green pepper.

Check out this video of a “foody” walking tour

Here's a recipe for "Stuffies":

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup chopped littleneck (quahog) clams and liquid (you can buy them canned or bottled to save you the hassle of working with the clam shells)

• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion

• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery

• 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons flour

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Dash of black pepper

• Dash of Worcestershire sauce

• 12 Ritz crackers, crushed

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

• Paprika

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook onion, celery, and green pepper in 4 tablespoons butter until vegetables are tender, but not brown.
2. Stir in flour, cheese, and seasonings. Add 1/4 cup of crushed crackers, and mix well.
3. Stir in clams with their liquid, and cook and stir until mixture is thick and bubbly. Divide mixture among 15 to 18 littleneck clam shells, or 10 to 12 larger clam shells, or spoon into a casserole dish (as a last resort).
4. Combine remaining crumbs and 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle over filled shells. Sprinkle lightly with paprika.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve hot.