The Footprints of Time / And a Complete Analysis of Our American System of Government, with a Concise History of the Original Colonies and of the United States, in Chronological Order - Charles Bancroft

RHODE ISLAND.

This is the smallest of the States, having an area of but 1,306 square miles, or 835,840 acres.

It was settled in 1636 by Roger Williams, and became an avowed place of refuge for persecuted christians of all names, but especially for Baptists, among whom Mr. Williams was a leader. It was chartered as a separate colony in 1644, and the excellent constitution framed under it lasted until 1818. It was one of the original thirteen States and took an earnest share in the struggles of the revolution, though it was not represented in the convention that framed the Constitution, and did not ratify it until 1790.

Its citizens are mainly engaged in the manufacturing and commercial pursuits for which their excellent harbors and streams furnish eminent facilities. It has always been prosperous, its people being distinguished for industry and activity. Its population was, in 1870, 217,356.

Rhode Island forms part of the first judicial circuit; constitutes one judicial district; and has three ports of entry, and seven of delivery. It has two capitals, having been originally formed of two separate colonies. These are Providence and Newport. The election for State officers is held on the first Wednesday in April. The Legislature is held twice in the year, in May and January. The style of her enacting clause is: “It is enacted by the General Assembly, as follows.”

UNITED STATES SENATORS.

Theodore Foster,	from		1790	to	1803.
Joseph Stanton,	”		1790	”	1793.
William Bradford,	”		1793	”	1797.
Ray Green,	”		1797	”	1801.
Charles Ellery,	”		1801	”	1805.
Samuel L. Potter,	”		1803	”	1804.
Benjamin Howland,	”		1804	”	1809.
James Fenner,	”		1805	”	1807.
Elisha Matthewson,	”		1807	”	1811.
Francis Malbone,	”		1809	”	1809.
C. G. Champlin,	”		1809	”	1811.
Jeremiah B. Howell,	”		1811	”	1817.
William Hunter,	”		1811	”	1831.
James Burrill,	”		1817	”	1821.
James D’Wolf,	”		1821	”	1825.
Nehemiah R. Knight,	”		1821	”	1841.
Asher Robbins,	”		1825	”	1839.
Nathan F. Dixon,	”		1839	”	1842.
James F. Simmons,	”	{	1841	”	1847.
James F. Simmons,	”	{	1857	”	1862.
William Sprague,	”		1842	”	1844.
John B. Francis,	”		1844	”	1845.
Albert C. Green,	”		1845	”	1851.
John H. Clarke,	”		1847	”	1853.
Charles T. James,	”		1851	”	1857.
Philip Allen,	”		1853	”	1859.
Samuel G. Arnold,	”		1862	”	1863.
Henry B. Anthony,	”	{	1859	”	1865.
Henry B. Anthony,	”	{	1865	”	1877.
William Sprague,	”		1862	”	1875.
Ambrose E. Burnside,	”		1875	”	1881.

VERMONT.

This State received its name from the French name of its range of mountains, (“verd mont” meaning “Green Mountain.”) It was settled in 1731, and was at first considered part of New Hampshire, and afterwards claimed by New York. These claims were vigorously resisted, but it had no organized government until 1777. It did good service in the Revolution; but was not admitted into the Union until 1791, making the fourteenth State. Col. Ethan Allen at the head of 270 “Green Mountain Boys” took possession of Forts Ticonderoga and Crown Point in the name of the Continental Congress, in 1775, and thus assured the northern water communication with Canada to the Americans.