Providence

Providence was founded by Roger Williams, a religious exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Seeking a place for religious and political freedom, Williams and a small group of followers established a settlement on the site where the Woonasquatucket and Moshassuck Rivers converge to form the Providence River. Williams named the new community 'Providence' in thanks to God's mercy. Providence became known for its acceptance of religious dissenters and has a long history of tolerance.

On May 4, 1776, the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations declared its independence from British rule, becoming the first of the Thirteen Colonies to renounce allegiance to King George III. This bold move came two months before the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. The legislative assembly of the colony proclaimed the act at the Old State House in Providence, marking an important step in the American Revolution.

Brown University, originally called the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, was founded in 1764, but in 1831 it was officially renamed Brown University after Nicholas Brown, a prominent Providence businessman and benefactor. The institution was one of the first colleges to accept students regardless of their religious affiliation and has grown into a prestigious Ivy League school known for its unique open curriculum policy.

The Rhode Island State House in Providence first opened to the public on February 18, 1904. It serves as the active capitol building for the state of Rhode Island, housing the offices of the governor, the General Assembly, and the state's legislative body. The State House is renowned for its large marble dome, which is the fourth largest self-supporting marble dome in the world. The building is an architectural marvel and a central part of Providence's skyline.

The Great New England Hurricane of 1938 struck Providence with catastrophic effect. The hurricane caused extensive flooding and destruction throughout the city, and its unexpected arrival compounded the damage as the area was not adequately prepared. The storm surge caused the Providence River to overflow, submerging downtown Providence under several feet of water, resulting in significant loss of life and property, with parts of the city not rebuilt for many years.

The Providence Performing Arts Center, originally known as Loew's State Theatre, opened its doors on April 28, 1975. Located in downtown Providence, the theater has played a significant role in the cultural life of the city, hosting a variety of events from Broadway shows to concerts and community events. The ornate design and historic significance make it a beloved landmark in Providence, contributing to the city's rich arts and entertainment scene.

Providence Place Mall opened on September 29, 1980, marking a major development in the commercial landscape of Providence. The indoor shopping mall is one of the largest in New England, featuring over 160 stores, restaurants, and a multiplex movie theater. The mall has played a significant role in redefining the downtown area and has been a catalyst for further development, contributing to the revitalization of the city's commercial district.

The Station nightclub fire in nearby West Warwick occurred on February 20, 2003, and had a profound impact on the Providence community. It was one of the deadliest nightclub fires in American history, claiming the lives of 100 people and injuring many more. The fire highlighted significant safety issues and led to changes in fire codes and regulations nationwide. The tragedy is memorialized at a dedicated site, serving as a somber reminder of the importance of safety measures.

The Providence River Relocation Project, completed on October 28, 2005, was a major urban development initiative aimed at re-routing the Providence River and uncovering the city’s historic waterways. The project transformed the downtown area, reconnecting it to its waterfront, and creating new public spaces, parks, and venues for cultural events. The ambitious endeavor restored the natural landscape and improved urban aesthetics, contributing significantly to the city’s urban renaissance.

WaterFire Providence, an ongoing public art event, became an official non-profit on July 14, 2010. It features a series of bonfires lit on the three rivers in downtown Providence, celebrating the city's cultural and historical resources through the medium of fire, music, and community gathering. The event has been instrumental in revitalizing the downtown area while drawing visitors and residents alike to participate in this unique urban cultural experience, putting Providence on the map for art lovers.

The Iway Project (I-195 Relocation Project) was completed on March 2, 2013, marking a significant development in improving the transportation infrastructure of Providence. The project included the relocation of Interstate 195, which was diverted to a new, less obtrusive route to the south of the previous alignment, freeing up valuable land along the waterfront for development. This major urban planning initiative has led to new opportunities for economic growth and revitalization of the Jewelry District and other adjoining neighborhoods in Providence.