How Tall Is Rhode Island? Total Distance North to South

Rhode Island has the distinction of being the smallest state in the United States. Along with its tiny status, there are many interesting things to know about the state. As you can imagine, driving through Rhode Island is fairly easy. The total distance of Rhode Island from North to South is only 48 miles. From East to West, the state is a scant 37 miles. The whole state is only an area of 1,214 square miles. The second smallest state is Delaware, which is 1,982 square miles. No other state compares size-wise, as the next smallest is Connecticut, which is nearly triple the size.

Geography of Rhode Island

Despite being so small, Rhode Island features over 400 miles of coastline. Rhode Island is bordered by Massachusetts on the north and east sides, Connecticut on the west, and the Atlantic Ocean towards the southern portion of the state. Within the state, the land is mainly flat, with the highest natural point, called Jerimoth Hill, about 812 feet above sea level. In Rhode Island, you’re only half an hour’s drive to the ocean no matter where you live.

Rhode Island has two geographical regions. To the south and east, you’ll find the Coastal Lowlands. Block Island, a famous beach vacation destination that’s reachable only by boat, is in this area. Narragansett Bay, also in this region, is home to thousands of species of fish, plants, and other wildlife, and is an important natural resource.

The northwestern corner of the state is the Eastern New England Upland. The topography here includes forested state parks, lakes, and hills. 

History of Rhode Island

Known as the “Ocean State”, Rhode Island was one of the original 13 colonies. It was the first colony to renounce allegiance to King George III of England. However, it was the last one to become a state. Rhode Island first became a colony in 1636, and the official date of statehood is May 29, 1790. Newport, Rhode Island was also a major shipping port during colonial times. Another interesting tidbit of history: Rhode Island initially refused to participate in the creation of the U.S. Constitution, preferring the Articles of Confederation, and ended up being the last state to ratify it.

Wildlife in Rhode Island

The state is home to a wide array of birds, thanks to its ocean proximity. It’s truly a birdwatcher’s paradise. Some birds you may see include Great Egrets, Common Terns, Ospreys, and numerous types of hawks, just to name a few. And there are plenty of others. Over 400 species of birds frequent Rhode Island. Most commonly, you’ll see American robins, woodpeckers, goldfinches, sparrows, and owls.  

Additionally, keep your eyes open because whales, such as blue, humpback, and fin whales, have all been seen off the coast, as have dolphins and harbor porpoises. 

Not surprisingly, there is an abundance of species of fish and other marine life in the waters of the state. You may encounter freshwater fish such as alewives, shad, trout, salmon, sturgeon, catfish, and carp. Lobsters, crabs, scallops, shrimp, and mussels make the area a seafood lover’s dream come true. But it’s also not uncommon for sharks, such as the bull shark, the dog shark, the mako shark, and the great white shark, to swim in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, close to the state.

Rhode Island also has several “official animals”. The official state mammal is the Harbor Seal. The state bird is the Rhode Island Red, a chicken. And the state fish is the Striped Bass. 

Though Rhode Island may be small, it’s also easily drivable and home to an amount of marine life that can’t match many other states. From its long colonial history to its coastal vibe, Rhode Island packs a lot in a small parcel.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock.com