Rhode Island Rivers And Lakes

Rhode Island's small size means it has short coastal rivers versus long inland waterways. Still, these rivers were important for early industry.

The Blackstone River

The Blackstone River provided the water power to spur industrialization in Providence and the establishment of textile mills in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Pawtuxet River

The Pawtuxet River flows through the heart of Rhode Island, from central ponds to Providence. Its mills helped propel the industrial revolution.

The Wood-Pawcatuck River

The Wood-Pawcatuck River forms the southwestern border between Rhode Island and Connecticut. Its tidal nature supported trade and shipbuilding.

Bodies of Water

Narragansett Bay

Narragansett Bay off the Atlantic Ocean has served as a central shipping hub. Newport and Providence drew trade as major colonial ports on the bay.

Block Island

Block Island is located 12 miles off Rhode Island's southern coast in the Atlantic. It is renowned for its lighthouses, bluffs, and beaches.

Rhode Island's coastal setting shaped its history and economy. Careful stewardship of its water resources will be needed to preserve its natural beauty.

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