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Rhode Island – General

Supplying Water to Providence: Cranston’s “Slow Sand” Filtration Plant, Circa 1905
11 years ago

Supplying Water to Providence: Cranston’s “Slow Sand” Filtration Plant, Circa 1905

How did plans for a century old Providence water filtration plant end up in the collections of the Lawrence Public Library in Massachusetts? We may never know, but thanks to …
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Photo Detective: Visiting Providence’s Past in 3D
11 years ago

Photo Detective: Visiting Providence’s Past in 3D

Nineteenth century photo studios did more than take images of their clients. Many also took pictures of their communities.

The image in the banner for this article is but one …
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The Birth of American Industry: Why Pawtucket?
11 years ago

The Birth of American Industry: Why Pawtucket?

American history enthusiasts are generally aware of the story of Samuel Slater, and the developments that ensued following his arrival in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in January of 1790.

For readers …
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Edson F. Gallaudet – A Rhode Island Aircraft Pioneer
11 years ago

Edson F. Gallaudet – A Rhode Island Aircraft Pioneer

One chilly day in November 1917 the air over Rhode Island’s Greenwich Bay resounded with the then unusual roar of an aircraft engine. A graceful seaplane rose from the water …
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A Colonial Newport Tunnel Perfect for Smuggling?
11 years ago

A Colonial Newport Tunnel Perfect for Smuggling?

In 1881 and 1905, two respected Rhode Island history authors made the claim that in colonial times, Godfrey Malbone, a wealthy Newport merchant, had constructed a tunnel from the coastline …
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Smallstatebighistory Interviews Bob Ryan of Wakefield Books
11 years ago

Smallstatebighistory Interviews Bob Ryan of Wakefield Books

[Editor’s note: Rhode Island’s independent bookstores have been loyal supporters of authors of Rhode Island state and local history books and their readers. This week we are pleased to interview …
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The Republic of Rhode Island
11 years ago

The Republic of Rhode Island

Today, May 29, 2015, is the 225th anniversary of Rhode Island’s entry into the Union under the United States Constitution of 1787. For thirteen months prior to May 29, 1790 …
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Providence’s Merchants Influence the State to Ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1790
11 years ago

Providence’s Merchants Influence the State to Ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1790

There is perhaps no better known expression from the American Revolutionary period than “no taxation without representation.” In July 1768, Silas Downer, a member of the Providence Sons of Liberty, …
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Top Ten Turning Points in Rhode Island’s History
11 years ago

Top Ten Turning Points in Rhode Island’s History

The following are my top ten turning points in the history of Rhode Island.  You may differ with some of my choices, but that is part of the fun.


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