slides: 10 Ways Rhode Island Changed America
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Michelle Houle, GoLocalProv Contributor
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Gaspee Day Parade
GoLocalProv compiled a list of ten ways Rhode Island has shaped America.
From the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution to the creation of Mr. Potato Head to the fight for independence, Rhode Island has influenced American culture.
See the slides below.
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Related Slideshow: 10 Ways Rhode Island Changed America
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Independence
Rhode Island was the first colony to declare independence from Great Britain.
The smallest state in the union showed their revolutionary side by setting fire to the Gaspée, a British customs schooner.
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American Industrial Revolution
Pawtucket is the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.
The Slater Mill, built in 1793 on the banks of the Blackstone River, was the first fully mechanized cotton-spinning mill in America.
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Religious Freedom
Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams as a haven for religious freedom.
Touro Synagogue, established in 1763, is the oldest surviving Jewish synagogue building in North America.
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Patriotism
George Michael Cohan, born on July 3, 1878, in Providence.
A composer, lyricist, and playwright, Cohan is best known for writing "The Yankee Doodle Boy", "You're a Grand Old Flag", and "Over There".
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Art
Rhode Island was the birthplace and home of painter Gilbert Stuart.
In his lifetime, Stuart produced portraits of over 1,000 people, including the first six Presidents of the United States.
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Higher Education
Brown University is the third oldest institution of higher education in New England.
This year, the university celebrated 250 years of academic excellence.
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Toys
Hasbro Inc., whose corporate headquarters are located in Pawtucket, is the third largest toy company in the world.
The best known toys of Hasbro include G.I Joe, My Little Pony, and Mr. Potato Head.
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Maritime Industry
Nathanael Greene Herreshoff was the founder of Herreshoff Manufacturing.
Herreshoff revolutionized yacht design, and produced a succession of undefeated America's Cup defenders between 1893-1920.
Herreshoff's skill earned him the nickname of "the Wizard of Bristol."
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Literature
Horror fiction writer H.P. Lovecraft was born in Providence in 1890 and lived the majority of his life here.
Lovecraft 's last residence in Providence before his death was used as inspiration in his short story, "The Haunter of the Dark".
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Manufacturing
Rhode Island's influence in manufacturing reached the far corners of the world.
The fine craftsmanship of Gorham Silver, which was founded in Providence in 1831, was highly prized.
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