Rhode Island is the smallest state in the continental U.S., but if you're moving here, you'll know you're a Rhode Islander when you start to think that anything longer than a 15-minute drive is far! The business centers of Providence and Warwick in Rhode Island and Fall River in Massachusetts are all within close proximity of each other.
These historic New England areas can't hide their industrial past -- not with all the mill buildings still dominating these cities -- but there's no doubt that the area has changed and grown with the times. Providence is known as the Renaissance City for a combination of its lively arts scene and the revival of the city that has taken place over recent years. Warwick, just a few miles south of Providence, has been significantly developed as a business centerfor Rhode Island, attracting newcomers and keeping Providence movers busy.
Economy:
Providence is a major port city that is a center of trade and manufacturing. The surrounding Narragansett Bay provides a valuable harbor for the city. Providence is known for manufacturing jewelry, textiles, metal, electronics, plastic, and various pieces of machinery. Additionally, banking, insurance, and health care are all important parts of Providences economy.
Tourism:
T.F. Green State Airport is located in Warwick, and is just eight miles from Providence. There are no major professional sports teams based in the area, but the major New England sports teams based around Boston -- such as the Red Socks, the Celtics, and New England Patriots -- are close enough to be claimed as the area's home teams. Historical buildings in Providence include the old state house and market building, the Stephen Hopkins House, and the First Baptist Meetinghouse. The city includes monuments for Nathanael Greene and Hazard Perry. Additionally, there are two statues of Roger Williams in Providence. One is in Roger Williams Park and the other is on Prospect Terrace in the park. In the summertime, residents and tourists alike can look forward to many festivals, including WaterFire, which features music, entertainers, and fire torches burning over the river that runs through downtown.
History:
Roger Williams first settled the area in 1636. After purchasing a section of land from a local Indian tribe, he set up the area as a refuge for people in exile or religious dissenters. A good part of the city was burned down during the King Philip's War. The city grew at an accelerated rate during most of the 18th century. Additionally, the city remained unscathed during the Revolutionary War, although the war disrupted trade routes and education in the area. After the war, the city began to develop a major manufacturing industry, which would be the focal point of the economy.