TeachersFirst - The Web Resource for K-12 Teachers

Learn About Rhode Island
First Inhabitants	Early History	Geography & Landforms	Economy
Capital: Providence	Entered the Union: 5/29/1790	Population: 1,048,319	Area (square miles) 1,545
State Bird: Rhode Island Red	State Flower: Violet	Nickname: Ocean State, Plantation State	Governor: Don Carcieri
Web Links: State Home Page	Home Page for Students	Members of Congress

Places to Visit in Rhode Island: (Click the links to learn more.)

The Old Slater Mill - Pawtucket
Slater’s Mill (1793), "Birthplace of the American Industry," was the first factory in America to successfully produce cotton yarn with water-powered machines. The mill now houses operating machinery used to illustrate the process of converting raw cotton to finished cloth. The historical treasure also includes the Sylvanus Brown House (1758) and the Wilkinson Mill (1810). A reconstructed 16,000 lb. water wheel is still in operation.

International Tennis Hall of Fame - Newport
For tennis lovers, the oldest grass courts in America, and the only ones open for public play, can be found at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, located in the historic Newport Casino. The Hall of Fame brings world-class tennis competition to Newport each year. In addition, the Tennis Hall of Fame Museum features displays, artifacts and exhibits covering over a century of tennis history.

Ocean Beaches -
More than 400 miles of coastline features over 100 salt and fresh water beaches in the resort communities of Newport, Narragansett, Watch Hill and Block Island. Facilities for swimming, picnicking, camping, horseback riding, surfing, skin diving, boating and water skiing are complimented by a large selection of public and private accommodations and dining facilities.

Newport Mansions - Newport
These fabled mansions, the extravagant "summer cottages" of America's Gilded Age portray the opulence of a bygone era. Six of these palatial estates are owned, maintained and operated by the Preservation Society of Newport County. Privately owned mansions include: The Astors' Beechwood, where costumed actors recreate the fabulous 1890's lifestyle and Belcourt Castle, summer residence of Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont.

-

Famous Citizens:

George M. Cohan
George M. Cohan was an actor and musical theatre performer. He was also the composer of several famous songs, including "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "Give My Regards to Broadway."

Jabez Gorham
Jabez Gorham was a silversmith and founder of the family silver business that represents one of the most respected makers of silver today. The business is still based in Smithfield, Rhode Island.

Mr. Potato Head
The first toy to be advertised on television, Mr. Potato Head is the product of Rhode Island-based Hasbro Toys. He has recently seen new popularity in the Disney Toy Story movies, and as official "spudsperson" of the state’s tourism efforts.

Samuel Slater
Samuel Slater built the first successful water-powered cotton mill near Pawtucket in 1793. His accomplishment led the growth of the Industrial Revolution in the United States.

Gilbert Stuart
Portraits were very popular in the 1700s. Gilbert Stuart was a famous portrait artist who painted the well-known, but unfinished, portrait of George Washington that appears on the dollar bill.

Roger Williams
Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, was born in London, England around 1602, one of four children of a merchant. He took religious orders in the Church of England in 1629. Banished from Massachusetts because of his religious beliefs, he founded a settlement he called Providence. His last years were spent as a community leader; he served as town clerk for many years. He died sometime during the winter of 1682.