Among the thirteen original colonies, Rhode Island held a unique place in American history due to its deep commitment to independence, religious freedom, and self-governance. Although the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1788, Rhode Island resisted joining the Union for nearly two years, becoming the last of the original states to do so. The story behind Rhode Island’s statehood is rich with political tension, cultural identity, and ideological differences. It reflects the evolving relationship between federal power and individual states’ rights that continues to shape the United States today.
Historical Background of Rhode Island
Founded on Religious Freedom
Rhode Island was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a religious dissenter from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Williams envisioned a colony based on separation of church and state and full freedom of religion. His ideas attracted a wide array of settlers, making Rhode Island a safe haven for Quakers, Jews, Baptists, and others who were persecuted elsewhere.
This spirit of independence and skepticism of centralized authority became part of Rhode Island’s political DNA. The colony operated under the Royal Charter of 1663, which granted significant self-governing privileges, far more than many other colonies enjoyed. Even during the American Revolution, Rhode Island was among the first to break from British rule, formally declaring independence in May 1776 two months before the Continental Congress issued the Declaration of Independence.
Reluctance to Join the Union
Fear of Federal Control
After the Revolutionary War, the formation of a new central government led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. However, many in Rhode Island were hesitant to support the idea. The state’s population, largely rural and self-sufficient, feared that a powerful federal government would infringe on their local liberties and economic interests.
Rhode Island’s leaders were especially concerned about the potential for the federal government to impose taxes, regulate trade, and create a national currency that might hurt small farmers and businesses. Furthermore, the proposed Constitution did not initially include a bill of rights, which caused alarm among many who valued individual freedoms.
Refusal to Participate
When the Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia in 1787, Rhode Island refused to send delegates. As the other states began to ratify the Constitution, Rhode Island stood firm in opposition. In fact, the state even held a referendum on the issue in 1788, and the result was overwhelmingly against ratification by a vote of 2,708 to 237.
This left Rhode Island isolated as the only state not participating in the newly formed federal government. As the twelfth state, North Carolina had already ratified the Constitution by late 1789, leaving Rhode Island completely alone outside the Union.
Pressures Mounting on Rhode Island
Economic and Political Isolation
By staying out of the Union, Rhode Island soon found itself at a disadvantage. The new federal government could regulate interstate commerce, and many merchants and traders in Rhode Island began to suffer. Other states considered imposing tariffs and trade restrictions on Rhode Island goods, which hurt the economy and sparked unrest among the business community.
Additionally, Rhode Island lacked representation in the new Congress, meaning it had no voice in national decisions. As the federal government became more established, pressure mounted for Rhode Island to either join or face the consequences of economic and political isolation.
Internal Divisions
Within the state, a growing divide emerged between rural farmers who opposed the Constitution and urban merchants who favored it. Towns like Providence and Newport pushed hard for ratification, as they stood to benefit from access to federal trade agreements and infrastructure projects. Debates and tensions escalated, and some leaders feared that Rhode Island might collapse into civil unrest if a decision wasn’t made.
Rhode Island Becomes a State
The 1790 Convention
Realizing the growing threat to Rhode Island’s prosperity and stability, a convention was finally held in May 1790 to revisit the issue of ratification. This time, the vote was narrow but decisive. On May 29, 1790, by a margin of 34 to 32, the convention voted to ratify the U.S. Constitution, making Rhode Island the 13th and final of the original colonies to join the United States.
Conditions and Promises
One of the key factors that swayed the vote was the promise of a Bill of Rights. By 1790, James Madison and other Federalists had already begun drafting amendments that would guarantee basic civil liberties. The promise that these protections would soon be added to the Constitution gave comfort to skeptics and was instrumental in securing Rhode Island’s ratification.
Aftermath and Legacy
Full Integration
Following ratification, Rhode Island sent representatives to Congress and began participating fully in the national government. Though there remained some tensions and distrust, the state’s economy improved, and its voice began to shape federal policies alongside the other states. Over time, Rhode Island’s early resistance to centralized power became a point of pride, showcasing the importance of debate and diversity in the American political tradition.
Influence on Constitutional Amendments
Rhode Island’s concerns were not ignored. Its persistent calls for individual rights influenced the adoption of the Bill of Rights in 1791. Many of the protections Rhode Islanders demanded freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and protection from federal overreach became fundamental pillars of American law.
Interesting Facts About Rhode Island Statehood
- Rhode Island was the first colony to renounce allegiance to the British Crown (May 1776), but the last to ratify the U.S. Constitution (May 1790).
- It was the only state that boycotted the Constitutional Convention entirely.
- The state’s motto, Hope, continues to reflect its resilient and independent spirit.
- Despite its size, Rhode Island’s decision delayed full national unity for two years after most other states joined the Union.
The path to Rhode Island’s statehood was unlike that of any other state in the original thirteen. While most colonies joined the Union relatively quickly, Rhode Island’s caution, independence, and strong concern for civil liberties made it hesitant. However, these very traits also contributed significantly to shaping the U.S. Constitution and the addition of the Bill of Rights. Rhode Island’s story reminds us that disagreement and debate, even when unpopular, can lead to stronger, more inclusive outcomes. Its eventual ratification marked the completion of the original Union and stands as a milestone in the broader American democratic experiment.