Rhode Island, a History

High atop the Rhode Island capitol in Providence, a bronze likeness of The Independent Man keeps watch over a state that historically has put the ideal of individual liberty before all others. Like many ideals, this one was freighted with many meanings. As the colony grew in the seventeenth century, the belief in religious liberty and freedom of conscience espoused by its founder, Roger Williams, led to the development of political liberty and practical democracy. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.