The Story of Rhode Island

On April 19, 1873, a train traveling through rural Rhode Island plunged into a washed-out bridge in the darkness before dawn.What followed was one of the deadliest railroad disasters in the state’s history.But this tragedy is only the beginning of the story.In the months that followed, local mill communities made a surprising decision: they built a railroad at the very site of the disaster. It was a project plagued by economic collapse, public fear, and repeated setbacks from the very start.In this episode of Forgotten Railroads of Rhode Island, we explore:- The Richmond Switch train wreck of 1873- Why mill villages along the Wood River desperately needed a railroad- How the Panic of 1873 nearly killed the project before it began- And how the Wood River Branch Railroad was built against long oddsThis is Part 1 of a two-part series.Part 2: COMING APRIL 16thTo learn more about the history of Rhode Island visit www.storyofrhodeisland.com*For an ideal viewing experience, I recommend watching this episode on The Story of Rhode Island YouTube channel.

Before it became the South County Bike Path, this quiet trail was the Narragansett Pier Railroad, a vital 19th-century line that fueled Rhode Island’s mills, carried seaside tourists, and left a hidden legacy still visible today.To learn more about the history of Rhode Island visit www.storyofrhodeisland.com*For an ideal viewing experience, I recommend watching this episode on The Story of Rhode Island YouTube channel.

Follow the forgotten Hartford, Providence, and Fishkill Railroad from Providence to western Coventry, and discover how this 19th-century line shaped Rhode Island’s mill villages, industry, and communities before fading into the Washington Secondary Bike Path.To learn more about the history of Rhode Island visit www.storyofrhodeisland.com*For an ideal viewing experience, I recommend watching this episode on The Story of Rhode Island YouTube channel.

In this first episode of the Forgotten Railroads of Rhode Island series, we'll take a look at the Newport and Wickford Railroad, a line that served everyone from America's wealthiest families, local mill workers, and a Rhode Island industrial giant. www.storyofrhodeisland.com*For an ideal viewing experience, I recommend watching this episode on The Story of Rhode Island YouTube channel.

In this conversation with Dr. Patrick Conley we discussed when The Colony of Rhode Island had perhaps the most radical democracy in the world, how that declined in the 19th century, and Thomas Wilson Dorr's impact on Rhode Island's political history.To learn more about the history of democracy in Rhode Island, I highly recommend checking out Democracy in Decline: Rhode Island’s Constitutional Development 1776–1841 by Dr. Patrick Conley.www.storyofrhodeisland.com*For an ideal viewing experience, I recommend watching this episode on The Story of Rhode Island YouTube channel.

When founded in 1636, Providence was little more than a tiny settlement of religious outcasts fighting for survival. But by the late 19th century, it had managed to become one of America’s leading industrial centers.In this episode of The Story of Rhode Island I'll tell you about how Providence went from being an overlooked settlement to an industrial powerhouse. www.storyofrhodeisland.com*For an ideal viewing experience, I recommend watching this episode on The Story of Rhode Island YouTube channel.

In this conversation with Dr. Erik Chaput we discussed the life of Thomas Wilson Dorr and the 1842 political upheaval he eventually led. To learn more about Thomas Wilson Dorr, I highly recommend checking out the resources below:The People's Martyr: Thomas Wilson Dorr and His 1842 Rhode Island Rebellion by Dr. Erik ChaputThe Selected Writings of Thomas Wilson Dorr by Erik J. Chaput and Russell J. DeSimoneThe Dorr Rebellion ProjectTo learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

This is a discussion with historian John Landry about Rhode Island’s economic history and why the state is so unique.www.storyofrhodeisland.com*For an ideal viewing experience, I recommend watching this episode on The Story of Rhode Island YouTube channel.

On the eve of the American Revolution, Rhode Island was the most democratic colony in the entire British Empire, but by the early 19th century, it had become the least democratic state in America.In this episode of The Story of Rhode Island I'll tell you about how democracy came unraveled in 19th century Rhode Island. www.storyofrhodeisland.com*For an ideal viewing experience, I recommend watching this episode on The Story of Rhode Island YouTube channel.

On October 5th, The Story of Rhode Island Podcast will become The Story of Rhode Island YouTube Channel. With this change, I’ll be able to add visuals like photographs, maps, and animations to the stories I tell, bringing Rhode Island history to life like never before. Be sure to subscribe now so that you don’t miss these wonderful stories about Rhode Island’s RIch history. https://www.youtube.com/@thestoryofrhodeislandpodcast

1863 - 1865 | Following a heroic performance by Battery B, First Rhode Island Light Artillery Regiment, at the Battle of Gettysburg, the Union goes on to win the American Civil War, allowing Rhode Islanders are able to celebrate the end of hostilities. My Favorite Books on this Topic:History of the Rhode Island combat units in the Civil War (1861-1865) by Harold R. BarkerBrown & Sharpe and the Measure of American Industry: Making the Precision Machine Tools That Enabled Manufacturing by Gerald M. CarboneThe Rhode Island Home Front in the Civil War by Frank J. Williams and Patrick T. Conley*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1861 - 1863 | Ambrose Burnside, a Union General from Bristol, Rhode Island, personally experiences the highs and lows of war while fighting Confederate forces in the American Civil War. My Favorite Books on this Topic:History of the Rhode Island combat units in the Civil War (1861-1865) by Harold R. BarkerBrown & Sharpe and the Measure of American Industry: Making the Precision Machine Tools That Enabled Manufacturing by Gerald M. CarboneThe Rhode Island Home Front in the Civil War by Frank J. Williams and Patrick T. Conley*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1859 - 1861 | Rhode Island's political and military leaders respond as America is thrust into Civil War.My Favorite Books on this Topic:History of the Rhode Island combat units in the Civil War (1861-1865) by Harold R. BarkerKate Chase & William Sprague: Politics in a Civil War Marriage by Peg A. Lamphier*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1843 - 1845 | Following the murder of wealthy industrialist Amasa Sprague, Irish immigrant John Gordon is unjustly executed for the crime.My Favorite Books on this Topic:The Hanging and Redemption of John Gordon: The True Story of Rhode Island's Last Execution by Paul F. Caranci*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1841 - 1845 | Thomas Wilson Dorr leads a political upheaval aimed at modernizing the state's archaic and extremely undemocratic government.My Favorite Books on this Topic:Democracy in Decline: Rhode Island's Constitutional Crisis Development 1776 - 1841 by Patrick T. ConleyThe People's Martyr: Thomas Wilson Dorr and His 1842 Rhode Island Rebellion by Eric J. Chaput*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1832 - 1841 | After a decade of attempting to modernize the state's archaic political institutions, the people of Rhode Island come to the conclusion that the only way to achieve their goals is by leveraging more revolutionary tactics—or, as Seth Luther phrases it, they will obtain their rights by any means necessary: "peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must".My Favorite Books on this Topic:Democracy in Decline: Rhode Island's Constitutional Crisis Development 1776 - 1841 by Patrick T. ConleyThe People's Martyr: Thomas Wilson Dorr and His 1842 Rhode Island Rebellion by Eric J. ChaputPeaceably if we can, Forcibly if we must: Writings by and about Seth Luther by Scott Molloy, Carl Gersuny, and Robert Macieski*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1808 - 1824 | With the Jefferson Embargo and the War of 1812 causing a significant decline in maritime trade, Rhode Island businessmen look to textile manufacturing as a new source of incomeMy Favorite Books on this Topic:Samuel Slater and the Origins of the American Textile Industry, 1790 - 1860 by Barbara M. TuckerThe Transformation of Rhode Island, 1790 - 1860 by Peter J. Coleman*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1796 - 1807 | Samuel Slater creates America's first water-powered cotton spinning mill and America's first factory town, giving Rhode Island the foundations it needs to move into the age of industrialization. My Favorite Books on this Topic:Samuel Slater and the Origins of the American Textile Industry, 1790 - 1860 by Barbara M. TuckerThe Transformation of Rhode Island, 1790 - 1860 by Peter J. Coleman*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1789 - 1790 | Only a year after arriving in Rhode Island, Samuel Slater builds the revolutionary machines that will ignite the American Industrial Revolution.My Favorite Books on this Topic:Samuel Slater and the Origins of the American Textile Industry, 1790 - 1860 by Barbara M. TuckerThe Transformation of Rhode Island, 1790 - 1860 by Peter J. Coleman*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

Prepare to embark on an exhilarating new season as we delve into the transformative power of industrialization in Rhode Island! Uncover the social and economic changes the state underwent throughout the 19th century and learn about how Rhode Island’s industrialized society helped to keep the Union intact.Season 3 coming to you Sunday, May 4th!

1683 - 1723 | Throughout the late 17th and early 18th century, Rhode Island pirates contributed heavily to the Golden Age of Piracy and became such a nuisance that they almost got the colony's charter revoked.My Favorite Books on this Topic:Black Flag, Blue Waters: The Epic History of America's Most Notorious Pirates by Eric Jay DolinPirates of Colonial Newport by Gloria Merchant*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1784 - 1860 | With early abolitionists attempting to end Rhode Island's connection with slavery, the state's merchants and industrial leaders continue to find ways to profit off of the business of slavery right up until the Civil War.My Favorite Books on this Topic:Dark Work: The Business of Slavery in Rhode Island by Christy Clark-PujaraSons of Providence: The Brown Brothers, the Slave Trade, and the American Revolution by Charles RappleyeJames DeWolf and the Rhode Island Slave Trade by Cynthia Mestad Johnson*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1638 - 1775 | From almost the moment Rhode Island was founded, indigenous war captives worked for the colony's earliest settlers without pay. Then, in the 18th century, Rhode Island's relationship with slavery deepened when it began playing a dominant role in the American slave trade. My Favorite Books on this Topic:Brethren by Nature: New England Indians, Colonists, and the Origins of American Slavery by Margaret Ellen NewellDark Work: The Business of Slavery in Rhode Island by Christy Clark-Pujara*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1781 - 1790 | With the Revolutionary War having come to an end, Rhode Island struggles to see eye to eye with their fellow Americans around what their new national government should look like, once again making them a group of outcasts.My Favorite Books on this Topic:Washington's General: Nathanael Greene and the Triumph of the American Revolution by Terry GolwayThe Glorious Cause by Robert MiddlekauffBattles of the Revolutionary War by W.J. Wood*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1780 - 1781 | With the American's southern army on the verge of being defeated, an event that would likely lead to the patriot forces losing the Revolutionary War, George Washington calls on General Nathanael Greene to save the day.My Favorite Books on this Topic:Washington's General: Nathanael Greene and the Triumph of the American Revolution by Terry GolwayThe Glorious Cause by Robert MiddlekauffBattles of the Revolutionary War by W.J. Wood*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1778 | With the French Navy no longer able to support the retaking of Newport, the American army on Aquidneck Island must hold their ground so that they can safely retreat back to the Rhode Island mainland. My Favorite Books on this Topic:The Rhode Island Campaign: The First French and American Operation in the Revolutionary War by Christian M. McBurneyColonial Rhode Island: A History by Sydney V. JamesWashington's General: Nathanael Greene and the Triumph of the American Revolution by Terry Golway*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1778 | As the Americans prepare to retake the city of Newport with their French ally, they watch as a series of unexpected changes throw their plan into disarray.My Favorite Books on this Topic:The Rhode Island Campaign: The First French and American Operation in the Revolutionary War by Christian M. McBurneyColonial Rhode Island: A History by Sydney V. JamesWashington's General: Nathanael Greene and the Triumph of the American Revolution by Terry Golway*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1776 - 1778 | After declaring independence from the British empire and with their towns coming under attack from enemy forces, the Rhode Island colonists learn that their war is far from over.My Favorite Books on this Topic:The Rhode Island Campaign: The First French and American Operation in the Revolutionary War by Christian M. McBurneyColonial Rhode Island: A History by Sydney V. JamesWashington's General: Nathanael Greene and the Triumph of the American Revolution by Terry Golway*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1775 - 1776 | With British ships patrolling Narragansett Bay and their economy brought to a standstill the people of Rhode Island decide to make a bold statement directed towards King George III, letting their fellow colonists know that the time for reconciliation has passed.My Favorite Books on this Topic:Rhode Island: A History by William McLoughlinColonial Rhode Island: A History by Sydney V. JamesWashington's General: Nathanael Greene and the Triumph of the American Revolution by Terry Golway*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1763 - 1775 | When the Rhode Island Colony watches their profits and rights as Englishmen come under attack, the people around Narragansett Bay ignite a series of protests that will eventually lead to war with the British Empire.My Favorite Books on this Topic:Rhode Island: A History by William McLoughlinColonial Rhode Island: A History by Sydney V. JamesWashington's General: Nathanael Greene and the Triumph of the American Revolution by Terry Golway*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode and more go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1699 - 1763 | During the late 17th and early 18th century, Governor Samuel Cranston makes a series of changes to Rhode Island, enabling it to become an economic powerhouse. My Favorite Books on this Topic:Rhode Island: A History by William McLoughlinColonial Rhode Island: A History by Sydney V. JamesRhode Island's Founders: From Settlement to Statehood by Patrick T. Conley*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode and more go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1686 - 1689 | Rhode Island find itself at odds with the British empire when it has its charter revoked and turned into a mere province in the Dominion of New England. My Favorite Books on this Topic:Rhode Island: A History by William McLoughlinColonial Rhode Island: A History by Sydney V. JamesRhode Island's Founders: From Settlement to Statehood by Patrick T. Conley*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode and more go to The Story of Rhode Island website

For Season 2 of the Story of Rhode Island we'll explore the factors that led Rhode Island to play a pivotal role in the American Revolution and how the ensuing war affected life around Narragansett Bay.To learn more what we'll cover in Season 2 visit the Story of Rhode Island Podcast website

In this conversation with Jack Henneman, Creator & Host of the History of the Americans Podcast, we discuss the world in which Rhode Island was founded in, early Rhode Islanders like Roger Williams & Anne Hutchinson, and why Rhode Island's history is so fascinating. To learn more about The History of the Americans go to https://thehistoryoftheamericans.com/

1639 - 1676 | In part 2 of this 2 part bonus episode we watch the Narragansett and Pokanoket people fight to salvage their way of life as the power of the English grows stronger every year. My Favorite Books on this Topic:A History of the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island by Robert A. GeakeManitou and Providence: Indians, Europeans, and the Making of New England, 1500-1643 by Neal SalisburyChanges in the Land: Indians, Colonists, and the Ecology of New England by William Cronon*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about the podcast go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1524 - 1637 | In part 1 of this 2 part bonus episode we take a look at the Narragansett & Pokanoket tribes and how their lives changed when they began interacting with English colonists.My Favorite Books on this Topic:A History of the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island by Robert A. GeakeManitou and Providence: Indians, Europeans, and the Making of New England, 1500-1643 by Neal SalisburyGod, War, and Providence: The Epic Struggle of Roger Williams and the Narragansett Indians Against the Puritans of New England by James A. Warren*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

In this conversation with Dr. David Weed of the Sowams Heritage Area we discuss the history of the Pokanoket tribe of eastern Rhode Island and the pivotal role their tribe played in our nations history. To learn more about the Sowams Heritage Area visit - https://sowamsheritagearea.org/wp/To learn more about the Story of Rhode Island Podcast visit - www.storyofrhodeisland.com

1676 - 1683 | After the Narragansett Nation enters King Philip's War and towns throughout Rhode Island are destroyed, the English colonists eventually find a way to defeat their formidable opponents. My Favorite Books on this Topic:King Philip's War: The History and Legacy of America's Forgotten Conflict by Eric B. Schultz & Michael J. TougiasGod, War, and Providence: The Epic Struggle of Roger Williams and the Narragansett Indians Against the Puritans of New England by James A. WarrenColonial Rhode Island: A History by Sydney V. James*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode and more go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1675 | After years of tension, a war between the English colonists and the tribes of southern New England breaks out and Rhode Island finds itself engulfed in this deadly conflict.My Favorite Books on this Topic:King Philip's War: The History and Legacy of America's Forgotten Conflict by Eric B. Schultz & Michael J. Tougias God, War, and Providence: The Epic Struggle of Roger Williams and the Narragansett Indians Against the Puritans of New England by James A. WarrenColonial Rhode Island: A History by Sydney V. James*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode and more go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1662 - 1675 | When Connecticut finds a way to steal a third of Rhode Island's land, John Clarke fights to keep their colony intact.My Favorite Books on this Topic:God, War, and Providence: The Epic Struggle of Roger Williams and the Narragansett Indians Against the Puritans of New England by James A. WarrenColonial Rhode Island: A History by Sydney V. JamesRoger Williams and the Creation of the American Soul: Church, State, and the Birth of Liberty by John M. Barry*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode and more go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1644 - 1658 | As internal factions attempt to destroy Rhode Island from within, Roger Williams fights to keep the Colony of Rhode Island united. My Favorite Books on this Topic:Roger Williams and the Creation of the American Soul: Church, State, and the Birth of Liberty by John M. BarryColonial Rhode Island: A History by Sydney V. JamesRhode Island's Founders: From Settlement to Statehood by Patrick T. Conley*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode and more go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1642 - 1644 | In an effort to protect their sovereignty, the radical towns around Narragansett Bay unite as one and become an official English colony. My Favorite Books on this Topic:God, War, and Providence: The Epic Struggle of Roger Williams and the Narragansett Indians Against the Puritans of New England by James A. WarrenColonial Rhode Island: A History by Sydney V. JamesRoger Williams and the Creation of the American Soul: Church, State, and the Birth of Liberty by John M. Barry*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1637 - 1642 | After Anne Hutchinson is banned from Massachusetts, her followers move to Aquidneck Island and create the towns of Portsmouth and Newport.My Favorite Books on this Topic:American Jezebel: The Uncommon Life of Anne Hutchinson, the Woman Who Defied the Puritans by Eve LaPlanteChanges in the Land: Indians, Colonists, and the Ecology of New England by William CrononRoger Williams and the Creation of the American Soul: Church, State, and the Birth of Liberty by John M. Barry*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode and more go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1636 - 1637 | After being banned from Massachusetts, Roger Williams founds the town of Providence, the freest society in 17th century western civilization.My Favorite Books on this Topic:Roger Williams and the Creation of the American Soul: Church, State, and the Birth of Liberty by John M. BarryColonial Rhode Island: A History by Sydney V. JamesGod, War, and Providence: The Epic Struggle of Roger Williams and the Narragansett Indians Against the Puritans of New England by James A. Warren*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode and more go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1632 - 1636 | Roger Williams continues advocating for religious freedom while also developing a devout following in Massachusetts so the leaders of Massachusetts decide that they must silence Williams once and for all. My Favorite Books on This Topic:The Puritan Dilemma: The Story of John Winthrop by Edmund MorganRoger Williams and the Creation of the American Soul: Church, State, and the Birth of Liberty by John M. BarryRoger Williams: The Church and the State by Edmund Morgan by Edmund Morgan*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode and more go to The Story of Rhode Island website

1631 - 1632 | Roger Williams arrives in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and begins advocating for religious freedom. My Favorite Books on This Topic:Roger Williams and the Creation of the American Soul: Church, State, and the Birth of Liberty by John M. BarryRoger Williams: The Church and the State by Edmund Morgan by Edmund MorganChanges in the Land: Indians, Colonists, and the Ecology of New England by William Cronon*Map image from Rhode Island Boundaries by John H Cady.To learn more about this episode and more go to The Story of Rhode Island website

The history of Rhode Island is truly remarkable. This podcast is my humble attempt to tell you some of the stories about the people, places, and events that have made Rhode Island the state it is today. This trailer will give you a brief overview of the stories I plan to cover in Season One of the Story of Rhode Island Podcast. To learn more about Season 1 visit the Story of Rhode Island Podcast website