Providence soon became a place for religious dissenters and a haven for those considered outside of society. The city grew slowly at first but in time it became the capital of the new Colony of Rhode Island. Being established on the concept of religious freedom many religions made their first stand in Providence and Rhode Island.
The proximity to Narragansett Bay and a deep water port made Providence into a major shipping spot in the 18th century. Providence became a major player in the triangle trade. In the early par of the 18th century Providence was one of the wealthiest cities in America. The population of Providence was one of the earliest dissenters to English rule of the colonies.
The industrial revolution took hold in Providence and manufacturing of textiles became a mainstay of the city. Jewelry was another of the manufactured goods that brought money into Providence. Gorham Silver based it's operations in the city. Providence became know as the costume jewelry capital of the world with companies like Trifari making some of what today is the most collectable costume jewelry.
Education has also been one of the major business of Providence it is the home of Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence College, Rhode Island College and Johnson and Wales University.
Providence has had its ups and downs. The city itself became very depressed by the 1970's. It was becoming a city of empty factories and rundown mansions from the Victorian era until the 1980's when a rediscovery of sorts occurred. Part of the rediscovery of Providence was brought about by the then mayor Vincent Buddy Cianci. Through a series of grants and bribes Cianci moved a river and started a redevelopment of the downtown and outlying neighborhoods.
Is the city perfect? No, but being 377 years old it is a jewel of architectural history and charm.
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