USA Guide
New England
Providence
Splayed across seven hills on the Providence and Seekonk rivers, Providence was Rhode Island's first settlement, founded in 1636 "in commemoration of God's providence" on land granted to Roger Williams by the Narragansett Indians. Despite its roots in celebrating freedom, the city flourished as one of the most important ports of call in the notorious "triangle trade," where New England rum was exchanged for African slaves, who were then sold for West Indian molasses. With Slater's invention of the textile mill, industry along with port trade became the mainstays of Providence's economy.
The state's capital since 1901, Providence is today one of New England's three largest cities. Ivy League Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD, or "Rizdee") give the place a certain cultural verve, while the many original colonial homes on Benefit Street and around College Hill emanate an atmospheric, historic feel. The city's ethnic diversity is showcased west of downtown by the large Italian community on Federal Hill, with bustling restaurants and traditional appeal.
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