The History of Rhode Island

Narragansett Bay
Original Inhabitants

Smallest State With the Longest Name. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States. It covers only 1,213 square miles, and is a little more than half the size of Delaware, the second smallest state. In spite of its size, Rhode Island is an important industrial state, and it ranks high among the states in the production of jewelry. Rhode Island's official nickname is The Ocean State, because nearly one-tenth Rhode Island's inland area is covered by salt water, and no resident is more than a thirty-minute drive from the water's edge. Because of its size, however, the state has traditionally been called “Little Rhody.” The state’s official name is The State of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations, the longest state name in the USA.

Beautiful Narragansett Bay. Rhode Island lies on beautiful Narragansett Bay, an arm of the Atlantic Ocean. The Bay almost cuts Rhode Island in two, and extends 28 miles inland from southern Rhode Island. There are 36 islands, most in the bay. Aquidneck, the largest island, was officially named Rhode Island in 1644. Towns on the mainland were called Providence Plantations. Today, hundreds of thousands of tourists come to Rhode Island to enjoy the Bay, which is just minutes away from Best Western Airport Inn in Warwick, Rhode Island. Guests who like boating, fishing, and other water sports won’t be disappointed when they stay at Best Western, with its comfortable beds, contemporary furnishings, and luxury amenities including complimentary wireless broadband service. And if you have questions about Bay activities, our knowledgeable staff is only too happy to help. [Top]

Rhode Island’s Original Inhabitants. The Narragansett, were a tribe that lived on the west side of Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. The Narragansett people spoke an Algonquian language and made their living by hunting, fishing, and farming, and by gathering edible plant foods. At first, the Narragansett were friendly to the English colonists who settled in the area, but relations gradually unraveled. In 1675, more than 4,000 Narragansett joined forces with Wampanoag Indian chief King Philip to drive out white settlers. Colonial troops, however, killed all but about 100 warriors, and in 1676, English settlers took over the Narragansett lands. [Top]

Best Western Airport Inn - Warwick, RI
2138 Post Road, Warwick, RI, 02886
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