Providence

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Providence is the capital and the most populous city of Rhode Island.  Providence was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the estimated second or third largest city in the New England region. Despite the city proper only having an estimated population of 171,557 as of 2008, it anchors the 36th largest metropolitan population in the country, due to its reach into southern Massachusetts

Providence is located at the head of Narragansett Bay, with the Providence River running into the bay through the center of the city, formed by the confluence of the Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket Rivers.  The Waterplace Park amphitheater and riverwalks line the river’s banks through downtown.  Constitution Hill, College (or Prospect) Hill, and Federal Hill (The largest Italian district in New England) are the most prominent of the city’s hills.  The remaining hills include Tockwotten Hill at Fox Point, Smith Hill (where the State House is located), Christian Hill at Hoyle Square, and Weybosset Hill, which was leveled in the early 1880s.

Providence was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a religious exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.  He named the area in honor of “God’s merciful Providence” which he believed was responsible for revealing such a haven for him and his followers to settle.  After being one of the first cities in the country to industrialize, Providence became noted for its jewelry and silverware industry. Today, Providence city proper alone is home to eight hospitals and seven institutions of higher learning, which has shifted the city’s economy into service industries, though it still retains significant manufacturing work.

The city was once nicknamed the “Beehive of Industry” though in 2009, Providence began rebranding itself as the “Creative Capital” to emphasize its educational resources and arts community. Its previous moniker was “The Renaissance City.”

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