Rhode Island - The smallest state in the United States, boasts a history as unique and independent as its size suggests. While today we know it simply as the State of Rhode Island, its official and historical moniker carried a more descriptive weight: the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Rhode Island's Historical Name: From Colony to State
Understanding this longer name offers a fascinating glimpse into the state's foundational principles and early development.
Early Settlements of Dissent
The story begins with the arrival of individuals seeking religious freedom, a core tenet that shaped the identity of Rhode Island. The land that would eventually become the state was initially comprised of several distinct settlements:
- Providence Plantations (1636): Founded by the theologian Roger Williams on the mainland, Providence became a sanctuary for those fleeing religious persecution from the more rigid Puritan society of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Williams championed the separation of church and state and advocated for fair dealings with the Native American population.
- Island Settlements (Portsmouth and Newport): Following Williams' lead, other dissenters sought refuge on Aquidneck Island, later known as Rhode Island. Portsmouth was established in 1638 by Anne Hutchinson and her followers, who also faced banishment from Massachusetts for their religious beliefs. Newport followed in 1639, founded by William Coddington and others seeking further religious and political liberty.
Forging Unity: The Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Recognizing the advantages of cooperation, these separate settlements on the mainland and the island began to coalesce. In 1644, a significant step towards unification occurred with the formation of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. This union created a single colonial entity with a shared commitment to principles of self-governance and, most notably, religious freedom.
A Haven for Independent Thought
The newly formed colony distinguished itself by its progressive stance on religious tolerance. Unlike many other colonies where a specific religion held sway, Rhode Island welcomed individuals of diverse faiths. This commitment was further solidified in 1663 when King Charles II granted the colony a Royal Charter. This charter officially recognized the unified colony and guaranteed its inhabitants freedom of conscience, a remarkably forward-thinking provision for the time.
From Colony to Statehood
As tensions rose between the American colonies and Great Britain, Rhode Island, true to its independent spirit, was among the first to declare its independence in 1776. During the American Revolution, the colony actively fought for freedom, eventually becoming the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations upon the nation's founding.
A Modern Transformation: The State of Rhode Island
For over two centuries, the full name "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" remained the official designation. However, in recent years, the latter part of the name, " Providence Plantations," sparked debate and discussion, primarily due to the historical association of "plantations" with slavery. While the "Providence Plantations" referred to Roger Williams' original settlement, the connection to the broader history of slavery led to calls for a change.
In 2020, the voice of the people was heard. Rhode Island voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to simplify the state's name to simply the State of Rhode Island. While seemingly minor, this change reflects a contemporary reckoning with historical complexities and a desire for a more inclusive and representative name for the modern era.
Thus, while historically known as the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, the state's journey reflects a consistent pursuit of freedom and self-determination, culminating in its present-day identity as the State of Rhode Island – a small state with a truly significant history.
