Providence

Providence (pop. 156,200), capital of Rhode Island, on the Providence River at the head of Narragansett Bay. The second-largest city in New England (after Boston), Providence is an important industrial, commercial, and education center. Its port is among the busiest in New England. Its major industries include jewelry, silverware, textiles, machinery, and metal products. Brown University is located here, as are the famous Rhode Island School of Design, Bryant College, Catholic Teacher's College, Providence College, Providence-Barrington Bible College, and Rhode Island College. Providence is among the oldest cities in the United States, founded by Roger Williams in 1636 after his expulsion from the Plymouth Colony. Williams and his followers named it for “God's merciful providence” and made it a haven for religious dissenters. Toward the end of the century, Providence became a major port and commercial center. In the 18th and 19th centuries manufacturing (especially textiles) developed strongly. The city maintains a number of historic old homes and public buildings, many of which date from colonial times.

See also: Rhode Island.