In 1636, Roger Williams was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for his religious views. Following this, he traveled south to establish the first permanent settlement in what would later be known as Rhode Island. Thomas Jefferson would later credit Williams as the originator of First Amendment rights, such as freedom of speech and religion.

The smallest state in terms of size, Rhode Island still provides many tourist draws, including its 400 miles of winding coastline and 100 beaches. Narragansett Bay? harbors and inlets provide for outdoor activities including parasailing, scuba diving, fishing, kayak and canoe rentals and boating facilities.

In Newport, individuals can tour mansions that were once the summer homes of the wealthiest Americans. The city of Newport is also home to the Tennis Hall of Fame, the annual Newport Jazz Festival and Ben and Jerry's Folk Festival every August. In Providence, Roger Williams Zoo is home for 900 different animals from 139 species.

Fun Fact: Judge Darius Baker imposed the first jail sentence for speeding in an automobile on August 28, 1904 in Newport, RI.