Rhode Island: Ocean State

Rhode Island, the smallest US state, packs significant history, coastline, and culture into a tiny area. Founded by Roger Williams for religious freedom, the "Ocean State" has strong maritime heritage despite its diminutive size.

Rhode Island features 400 miles of coastline with beaches, harbors, and islands. Providence, the capital and largest city, has historic architecture, Brown University, and RISD (Rhode Island School of Design). Newport is famous for Gilded Age mansions built by wealthy families like the Vanderbilts. Block Island is a summer escape. The state has Italian-American heritage particularly in Federal Hill neighborhood.

Rhode Island's economy includes healthcare, education, tourism, and manufacturing. The state has highest population density after New Jersey. Coastal living and sailing culture are important. Coffee milk is the state drink. Family Guy is set in fictional Quahog, Rhode Island. Political corruption has occasionally plagued the state. Despite small size, Rhode Island has outsized cultural contributions through universities and arts. You can drive across the state in under an hour.