05 Jun 08 Rhode Island

It’s not an island. It was founded by Roger Williams. As a Puritan, he had fled England to escape persecution by the Church of England, but found Massachusetts no more tolerant. He supported the separation of church and state, which was, at that time, practically committing heresy.  To avoid being sent back to England, he fled south, and established the city of Providence in 1636, and a government in 1644.

Although Rhode Island is the smallest of the 50 states, it has the longest name – it’s official title is State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Tags: 50 states, church of england, city of providence, heresy, massachusetts, persecution, puritan, roger williams, separation of church and state, state of rhode island, state of rhode island and providence plantations