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Information on Rhode Island
Rhode Island was once only a resort for the elite and very rich and is one of America's smallest states, however today it is a popular east coast holiday destination, especially to New Yorkers, being only 60 miles (97km) and 180 miles (290km) respectively from those major cities.
Newport is home to opulent nineteenth century mansions, which are relics of the golden ages and is located in the south of Rhode Island on the Atlantic Ocean. It is easy to understand why Rhode Island became a popular Mecca for the idle rich in days gone by when one considers the state has more than 400 miles (644km) of convoluted shoreline jutting into the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay, allowing for more than 100 beaches. This little State offers more than just water, however… more than 60 percent of it's total area is covered in woodland, carefully preserved in 53 state parks and management areas, making it a perfect place to indulge in camping, hiking and cycling.
Situated on the northern point of Narragansett Bay is the Rhode Island state capital of Providence. Both Providence and the southerly city of Newport have a fascinating colonial history well worth investigating via the local attractions, while the little resort island of Block, about an hour by ferry from the southern town of Point Judith, is an unspoilt and well-preserved paradise for beachcombing and bird watching.
Rhode Island is not actually an island, but a section of coastline, which has been cut in two and bisected by Narragansett Bay. The name is a legacy of the early Puritan settlers who thought their new homeland resembled the island of Rhodes in the Aegean. During the colonial period Newport prospered as an important port with ships trading in slaves, molasses and rum filling the harbour. After the Civil War the trading post began to turn into a resort as new-made millionaires discovered the beautiful beaches and gentle climate around the city and began to build their summer palaces.
