BONUS: The Rise of Providence | The Making of an Industrial Powerhouse
From The Story of Rhode Island by Kevin Padula
December 7, 2025 · 19 min · Season 3
About this episode
This episode explores the transformation of Providence from a small settlement to a major industrial center in America.
When founded in 1636, Providence was little more than a tiny settlement of religious outcasts fighting for survival. But by the late 19th century, it had managed to become one of America’s leading industrial centers. In this episode of The Story of Rhode Island I'll tell you about how Providence went from being an overlooked settlement to an industrial powerhouse. www.storyofrhodeisland.com *For an ideal viewing experience, I recommend watching this episode on The Story of Rhode Island YouTube channel.
People in this episode
Host: Kevin Padula
Topics covered
- industrial history
- Providence
- Rhode Island
- economic development
- settlement history
Keywords
- Providence
- industrial powerhouse
- Rhode Island history
- economic growth
- settlement
Mentioned in this episode
Places: Providence
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- BONUS: Why the Founding Fathers Feared Rhode Island · May 24, 2026 · 15 min
- BONUS: The Independence Day That Wasn't · May 3, 2026 · 13 min
- BONUS: Forgotten Railroad of Rhode Island | The Wood River Branch Railroad P2 · April 16, 2026 · 11 min
- BONUS: Forgotten Railroad of Rhode Island | The Wood River Branch Railroad P1 · April 12, 2026 · 11 min
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