Being the smallest state in the nation often means Rhode Island tends to get overlooked by the rest of the country. Little does everyone else know, there are tons of Rhode Island firsts that ultimately paved the way for so many great things! Want proof? Here are 11 Rhode Island inventions as well as things Rhode Island did first – all of which might surprise you.

1. Rhode Island was the first state to introduce the sideburn thanks to former Governor Ambrose Burnside's impeccable style. (When it comes to Rhode Island firsts, this one's a must mention.)
Flickr/elycefeliz
2. Coffee Milk was first served in Little Rhody and remains the official state drink.
Flickr/spablab
3. Rhode Island held the first ever National Lawn Tennis Championship in 1899 and is home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Flickr/Marianne Bevis
4. The first circus in the country was held in Newport in 1774.
majunznk/Flickr
5. Little Rhody is home to the first ever discount department store in the U.S. known as Ann & Hope.
Wikimedia/User:Magicpiano

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6. The first polo match in the U.S. occurred in Rhode Island in 1876.
Flickr/Eric Silva
7. The first diner was established in 1872, forever ensuring access to comfort food nationwide, making this one of the tastiest things Rhode Island did first, if you ask us.
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
8. Rhode Island was also the first to hold an open golf tournament in 1895.
Flickr/Krzysztof Urbanowicz
9. The clam cake was first served in the state, and Rhode Islanders are still obsessed with this tasty food.
Flickr/marcos ojeda
10. Rhode Island was also the first state to have a Baptist church and it dates all the way back to 1638.
First Baptist Church in America/Facebook
11. The nation's smallest state was the first to renounce allegiance to the British Crown in 1776. There's no denying that as far as Rhode Island first go, this one is among the bravest!
Flickr/Vaughan Leiberum

So, did you know about these Rhode firsts? Were you surprised by anything on this list? Did we miss any iconic Rhode Island firsts? Tell us!

Rhode Island really is a unique little state! Here are more fun facts about Rhode Island.

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Rhode Island Firsts

Daniella DiRienzo | June 06, 2023

What are the most notable Rhode Island inventions?

Rhode Island has a rich history of innovation and invention. Here are some of the most notable Rhode Island inventions:

  • American Screw Company: Founded in 1856 in Providence, Rhode Island, the American Screw Company was behind an array of advancements in screw manufacturing, including creating machinery and techniques that greatly improved the production of screws.
  • Vulcanized Rubber: An essential process in the production of modern rubber was invented by Charles Goodyear. Goodyear was not from Rhode Island; however, he demonstrated the vulcanization process at the Arcade Building in Providence in 1839, paving the way for important advancements in the rubber industry.
  • Rhode Island Greening Apple: A popular apple variety, the Rhode Island Greening Apple originated right here in Rhode Island! Founded in the late 17th century, it’s one of the oldest apple varieties developed in the nation.

 

What are some fun facts about Rhode Island?

Rhode Island is small in size only! There are so many fun facts about Rhode Island, including:

  • Size: Rhode Island is the smallest state in the U.S. In total, it covers an area of just 1,034 square miles.
  • Nickname: Rhode Island is often called "The Ocean State,” which should go without saying, is due to the state’s significant coastlines. For a small state, Rhode Island boasts an impressive 400 miles of coastline and over 100 beaches.
  • Providence: Providence is both the capital and the largest city in Rhode Island. It was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams and is one of the oldest cities in the U.S.

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