jan 1, 1636 - Colony of Providence Plantations founded
Description:
After being exiled from Massachusetts, Roger Williams and his followers moved south and founded the colony of Providence Plantations ('plantation' in the 1600s was interchangeable with 'settlement'). Providence was most notable for their religious toleration. While Massachusetts and Maryland were developed as a haven for persecuted religious minorities (Puritanism and Catholicism, respectively), Providence was welcoming of nearly all religions. There was no church, nor religious qualifications for voting, becoming a sanctuary for Jews and Dissenters (Protestants belonging to other denominations) who were discriminated against in other colonies. Additionally, Providence's assembly was elected biannually, the governor once a year. Williams adopted a generally favorable view of Native Americans, tolerating even their culture, something not shared by the rest of New England.
Added to timeline:
US History Timeline
An outline of major events from (mostly early) US history.
...
Date:
Images:
![]()
