Providence, RI
Capital of Rhode Island
Known as “The Creative Capital”
Overview
Providence is the capital city of Rhode Island, located in the Northeast region of the United States. Founded in 1636, the city has grown to a population of approximately 190,934 residents within a state of 1,097,379 people. As both the largest city and capital of Rhode Island, Providence serves as the political, administrative, and economic center of the state.
The city is home to the Rhode Island State House, a Neoclassical / Georgian structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1904. Designed by McKim, Mead & White, the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.
Providence has served as the capital of Rhode Island since 1900. Before Providence, the state's capital was located in Newport.
Rhode Island State House
The Rhode Island State House in Providence features the fourth-largest self-supporting marble dome in the world, after St. Peter's Basilica, the Taj Mahal, and the Minnesota State Capitol. Designed by the prestigious firm McKim, Mead & White, the white Georgian marble building is topped by a gilded bronze statue of 'The Independent Man,' symbolizing Rhode Island's founding spirit of religious and political freedom. The building sits prominently on Smith Hill overlooking downtown Providence.
U.S. Capitol and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
Notable Features
- Fourth-largest self-supporting marble dome in the world
- Gilded 'Independent Man' statue atop the dome
- Designed by McKim, Mead & White
- Full-length Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington
- White Georgia marble construction
- Charter of 1663 from King Charles II on display
Media Gallery
Original footage coming soon! User-submitted photos welcome.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- ★The Rhode Island State House has the fourth-largest self-supporting marble dome in the world.
- ★The 'Independent Man' atop the dome symbolizes Rhode Island's founding by Roger Williams, who established the colony on principles of religious freedom.
- ★Rhode Island is the smallest state by area, but its capitol is one of the grandest in the nation.
- ★A full-length portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart (the same artist whose work appears on the dollar bill) hangs inside.
- ★The original Royal Charter of 1663, granted by King Charles II, is on display in the State House.
- ★Providence was founded by Roger Williams in 1636 after he was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for his religious views.