Rhode Island ( ROHD) is a state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. It borders Connecticut to its west; Massachusetts to its north and east; and the Atlantic Ocean to its south via Rhode Island Sound and Block Island Sound; and shares a small maritime border with New York, east of Long Island. Rhode Island is the smallest U.S. state by area and the seventh-least populous, with slightly more than 1.11 million residents as of 2025. The state's population, however, has continually recorded growth in every decennial census since 1790, and it is the second-most densely populated state after New Jersey. The state takes its name from the eponymous island, though most of its land area is on the mainland.
Rhode Island enacts the first law declaring slavery illegal
Rhode Island ( ROHD) is a state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States.
Historical Significance
Rhode Island ( ROHD) is a state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States.
Events Before
French Chief Minister Cardinal Mazarin flees Paris
French Chief Minister Cardinal Mazarin flees Paris
Flemish missionary Joris van Geel departs for the Congo [1]
Flemish missionary Joris van Geel departs for the Congo [1]
South Sea dike in Amsterdam breaks after storm
South Sea dike in Amsterdam breaks after storm
Great earthquake at Cuzco, Peru
Great earthquake at Cuzco, Peru
Battle of Beresteczko between Poles and Ukrainians starts
The Battle of Berestechko (28 June – 10 July 1651) was fought between the Cossack Hetmanate and Crimean Khanate against the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth as a part of the Khmelnytsky Uprising.
Events After
New Amsterdam becomes a city, later renamed New York City
New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States.
Dutch painter Jan Vermeer marries Catharina Bolenes in Schipluiden
Dutch painter Jan Vermeer marries Catharina Bolenes in Schipluiden
Parliamentarian General Oliver Cromwell appointed as Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland
Oliver Cromwell (25 April 1599 – 3 September 1658) was an English statesman, farmer and soldier, widely regarded as one of the most important figures in British history.
The Coonan Cross Oath is taken in the Saint Thomas Christian community in an effort to avoid submission to Portuguese ru
The Coonan Cross Oath is taken in the Saint Thomas Christian community in an effort to avoid submission to Portuguese rule in India
French Chief Minister Cardinal Mazarin returns to Paris from exile
French Chief Minister Cardinal Mazarin returns to Paris from exile
More from the 1650s
Oldest surviving commercial newspaper, "Weeckelycke Courante van Europa", now known as "Haarlems Dagblad", and still in
Oldest surviving commercial newspaper, "Weeckelycke Courante van Europa", now known as "Haarlems Dagblad", and still in print, begins publication in Haarlem, Netherlands
New Amsterdam becomes a city, later renamed New York City
New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States.
First known cheque written (£400), now on display at Westminster Abbey
First known cheque written (£400), now on display at Westminster Abbey
Grand Pensionary of Holland Johan de Witt marries Wendela Bicker
Wendela Bicker (Amsterdam, baptized 30 December 1635 – 1 July 1668) was the wife of Johan de Witt.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on May 18, 1652?
- Rhode Island ( ROHD) is a state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. It borders Connecticut to its west; Massachusetts to its north and east; and the Atlantic Ocean to its south via Rhode Island Sound and Block Island Sound; and shares a small maritime border with New York, east of Long Island. Rhode Island is the smallest U.S.
- Why is Rhode Island enacts the first law declaring slavery illegal significant?
- Rhode Island ( ROHD) is a state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States.