Providence Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
capital city of Rhode Island, United States
About Providence
Puritan refugee and Massachusetts exile Roger Williams settled Providence, Rhode Island, in June of 1636. It soon became one of the thirteen original colonies of the United States. The Narragansett Native Americans previously occupied Rhode Island's land. British taxation held back the city’s economic growth in its fishing, farming, and nautical enterprises. Providence joined other critics of the British Crown and opposed the Sugar Act, a tax that adversely affected Providence’s international rum trade. The Gaspee Affair of 1772 involved the residents of Providence leading the first violent attack of the American Revolution. After the Revolutionary War, Providence’s economic industry changed from maritime activities to manufacturing, especially in jewelry and textiles. Such industries dre
Top Attractions in Providence
Explore the best things to see and do in Providence:
- ★The feast of St. Joseph
Providence Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 14 sections including: