Moving To Rhode Island – Fun Facts
Welcome to moving to the smallest state in the United States. Its distances North to South are 48 miles and East to West 37 miles. Despite its diminutive size, Newport has over 400 miles of coastline. In fact, Rhode Island is nicknamed the “Ocean State” because one can get to the ocean from anywhere in the state in less than an hour’s drive. It is known as the Sailing Capital of the World.
As a new transfer to Rhode Island, you should know that Rhode Island was the last of the original thirteen states to become a state. Also, give a nod to Rhode Islander Gilbert Stuart who was the artist behind the George Washington portrait featured on the dollar bill.
The state of Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams when he moved to Providence in 1638 after being expelled from Massachusetts because of his religious beliefs. He named Providence for the blessing of escaping the religious persecution of Massachusetts.
The oldest synagogue in the United States, Tuoro Synagogue, in Newport. Rhode Island was built in1759.
Brown University (an Ivy League school) was founded in 1774, as the first American college to accept students regardless of their religious affiliation.
Rhode Island has some Funny Laws:
(1) Throwing pickle juice on a trolley is an offense in Rhode Island.
(2) Professional sports, with the exception of hockey and ice polo, need a special license to play on Sundays.
(3) There is a law requiring loud noises to be made whenever you’re passing someone on the left.
(4) Cap guns are illegal.
(5) Any marriage where either of the parties is an idiot or lunatic is null and void.
