Did You Know These About Providence?

While being the capital city of the smallest state, the city is huge on the history, art, culture, architecture, creativity, food, nightlife and much more. Here some of facts about the biggest city of the smallest state-Rhode Island that will leave you entertained and amazed, too.

_{Image By WonderWhy (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons}

Providence Geographic and Demographic Fast Facts

Providence is situated in east and central Rhode Island at the northern tip of Narragansett Bay on the Providence River.
It is the capital of Rhode Island.
It is the most populous city in the state.
It is a one-hour drive from Boston (southwest) and 50 minutes drive from Worcester (southeast).
It is one of the oldest cities in the USA.
It is the third largest city in the New England area.
It’s sister cities are Guatemala City, Florence, Santo Domingo, and Riga.
It has 25 neighborhoods- West End, East Side, Swan Point, Mt. Pleasant, Federal Hill, College Hill, Down City, Fox Point, South Providence, Silver Lake, North End, and so on.
The ethnic composition of Providence includes White- 49.8%, Non-Hispanic- 37.6%, Black or African American- 16.0%, Latino or Hispanic (of any race)- 27.8%, and Asian-6.4%.

Providence History Fast Facts

Providence was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams.
In 1831, Providence and Boston Railroad started.
In 1832, it was incorporated as a city.
By 1830, the city had manufacturing industries in silverware, metals, jewelry, machinery and textiles.
In 20th century, the city was home to some of the country’s largest manufacturing plants, including Gorham Silver, Nicholson File, and Brown & Sharpe.
In 1904, the Rhode Island State House was built.
In 1994, Waterplace Park was built and WaterFire began.

Providence Government and Economy Fast Facts

Providence follows mayor-council type of government.
The mainstays of the city’s economy are silverware and jewelry design and manufacturing.
Other sectors that contribute to the capital’s economy include finance, healthcare and education.
Companies whose headquarters are based in Providence include United Natural Foods, Textron, GTECH Corporation, Citizens Bank, and Gilbane.
The city is a college town with home to many big universities, including Providence College, Rhode Island School of Design, Johnson & Wales and Brown University.

Providence Important and Interesting Fast Facts

Providence is nicknamed as “Prov”, “The Creative Capital”, “The Renaissance City”, “PVD”, “Beehive of Industry”, and “The Divine City”.
The city is home to Rhode Island State House that has the world’s 4th largest self-supporting marble dome.
WaterFire is a signature event of the capital city that attracts plenty of people every year. It is an award-winning fire sculpture installation.
The Providence Athenaeum is the 4th oldest library in the nation.
According to Travel and Leisure Magazine (2015), Providence is ranked at second position in the list of “America’s Best Cities for Foodies”.
Providence has the greater number of restaurants per capital of any city in the nation.
The city is home to the largest artificial bug is the world- The Big Blue Bug (Nibbles Woodaway is the nickname). It is 928 times the size of a real termite.
The city is the largest silverware manufacturer in the world.
The city is considered to be one of the “Best Lesbian Places to Live”. It has 75 percent higher rate of lesbian and gay relationships as compared to the rest of the country.
The city has the largest gay bathhouse in whole of New England.
The city is home to the first enclosed shopping mall in America- Westminster Arcade.
The city is home to the country’s third oldest zoo- Roger Williams Park Zoo.
The city is home to the America’s First Baptist Church.
The city is home to one of the topmost art schools in the country- Rhode Island School of Design. Some of the famous alumni include Dale Chihuly (glass sculptor), Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy TV series creator), Gus Van Sant (Director), and many more.