rhode island

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations derives its name from two geographical subdivisions. 'Providence Plantations' is now comprised of the area represented by Greater Providence Metropolitan region. It was named Providence Plantations by Roger Williams who created a farming community there after purchasing the land from the Narragansett Indians. 'Rhode Island' is the island known now as Aquidneck Island made of the City of Newport to the south, the Town of Middletown in the middle, and the Town of Portsmouth to the north.

The two geographical subdivisions do not represent the entire landmass of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Eastern parts of the State including Tiverton, Little Compton, Bristol, Barrington and Warren were part of Plymouth Colony until 1747. Western parts of the State were in dispute with Connecticut for many years. Rhode Island's status as a state at all was basically due to extraordinary diplomacy and resiliency of Roger Williams and John Clarke to obtain a royal charter. Block Island is also part of the State and is located south of Point Judith.

Five counties make up the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations: Bristol County, Kent County, Newport County, Providence County and Washington County.  Parts of Washington County are referred to as 'South County' and there is even a South County Hospital.  However, there is no official subdivision of Rhode Island called South County.  Perhaps when the area known as Kings County was renamed for George Washington after the American Revolution, the name was rejected by local Loyalists. 

 The county pages contain links to the 39 cities and towns of Rhode Island. Each geographic division of city or town may also contain multiple villages.

Meeting Agendas from across the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations:
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