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© 2026 Kevin Padula
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The history of Rhode Island is truly remarkable. The Story of Rhode Island 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.
To learn more about the show visit the Story of Rhode Island Podcast website at https://www.storyofrhodeisland.com/
To learn more about the show visit the Story of Rhode Island Podcast website at https://www.storyofrhodeisland.com/
44 Episodes
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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/
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
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
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
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
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
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