Providence
Providence, Rhode Island lies at the mouth of the Providence River, where the Woonasquatucket and Moshassuck join together and meet Narragansett Bay. The historic city of Providence began in 1636, founded by Roger Williams when he fled the Massachusetts Bay Colony due to religious persecution. One of the fathers of today’s Baptist religion, Williams named the settlement in honor of “God’s merciful providence,” in guiding him to the region. Providence was one of the first industrial cities in the U.S., utilizing the waterways for powering mills, and developing a fine reputation in the jewelry and silverware industries. Providence, RI claimed the nickname “Beehive of Industry” for many years.
Providence, in modern times, maintains a large manufacturing industry, though the economy has shifted to service industries. Tourism plays a major role, as does education and the health industry. Eight hospitals and seven institutes of higher learning call Providence home.
Rhode Island divides its five counties into four Superior Court jurisdictions: Kent, Washington, Newport, and Providence/(with Providence/Bristol comprising one jurisdiction). Rhode Island's unified state court system, the Superior Court, has original jurisdiction in all of Providence County’s felony proceedings, in civil suits where claims exceed $10,000, and in matters of equity. The Superior Court also hears appeals on civil and criminal cases from the Providence County District Court. (Civil suits with claims from $5,000-$10,000 may be heard by the Superior Court or Providence County District Court.) Any appeal from a decision rendered in Superior Court is taken directly to the Rhode Island Supreme Court.
If you have a personal injury case, your claim will be heard in civil court. This FAQ's section gives you information about civil lawsuits. If you are confused about the terms you hear while in court, you may find this list of common legal terms handy. Once you've gone through a trial, you may have the right to appeal your personal injury case to the Rhode Island Superior Court or the Rhode Island Supreme Court.
Providence serves as the Capital City of Rhode Island, as well as the seat of Providence County. Census 2000 recorded the population at 173,618 with 2006 estimates showing an increase to 175,255, making Providence the second or third largest city in New England. The Providence Metropolitan Area ranks the 36th largest in the nation, and extends into Massachusetts, with a population over 1,600,000.
Providence, Rhode Island boasts a thriving cultural scene. Found here is one of America's finest art schools, the Rhode Island School of Design. Within the school lies the RISD Museum of Art, containing more than 80,000 works ranging from French Impressionist to Chinese Terracotta. The performing arts maintain a large presence in Providence, with the Tony Award-winning Trinity Repertory Company, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, Festival Ballet Providence, Perishable Theater and Opera Providence.
Providence resident artist Barnaby Evans utilized the city’s unique waterways in creating Waterfire Providence, a series of 100 bonfires built with aromatic wood, below the arched bridges of Downtown Providence. Evans lights the display several times a year, with background music to delight patrons as they stroll above the fires and watch the flames flickering in the water. Waterfire draws visitors from all around New England, and gains more popularity each year.
Providence, Rhode Island intrigues the history buff with four centuries of architecture proudly maintained, and many buildings listed on the National Historic Register. Providence’s picturesque East Side Neighborhood contains cobblestone streets lined with gas streetlamps, now converted to electric. Famous Providence historic sites include the First Baptist Church in America, the John Brown House, and the Rhode Island State House. Shoppers delight in strolling through the Arcade, the first indoor mall in America, established 1828.
Providence, Rhode Island delights the eye with its many waterways and elegant architecture. Started as a community demanding religious tolerance, modern-day Providence still maintains a tolerant attitude in its varied aspects.
Providence Accidents News
The theft was discovered when a man asked someone in the Providence department to turn it on for him.
PROVIDENCE — When an auto body shop employee showed up at the city Department of Communications with a portable police radio in hand, chief radio engineer Tony Desmarais was immediately suspicious.
EAST PROVIDENCE — Two backhoes dug and moved gravel for more than six hours yesterday behind an apartment complex in Riverside without finding the body of Joseph “Joe Onions” Scanlon, the victim of a gangland slaying 30 years ago.
- A woman is dead after a bizarre car accident in Virginia Beach. Police say around 7 p.m. Wednesday, 54-year-old Saye Ann Hinton rear-ended a car . That accident on Military and Providence was minor.
