This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

I have four wheels and invite plenty of flies (insects).  What am I?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Admitted to the American Union on May 29, 1790, Rhode Island is destined to be labeled as the smallest state in terms of land size.  It becomes the final of the original thirteen colonies to enter the United States.

Here are some interesting facts about Rhode Island:

• Capital city:  Providence (largest city, population of 179,207)
• Nickname:  Ocean State
• State bird:  Rhode Island Red Hen
• State flower:  Violet
• State Motto:  Hope

With its small land area, Rhode Island is the second most-densely populated American state after New Jersey.  Within its 1,033 square miles of territory, New Jersey provides space for over 1,098,080 inhabitants.  In contrast, the state of Montana houses 1,142,750 people in a land area of 147,040 square miles.  

Tracing its roots back to 1636 as an English colony, Rhode Island is founded by Puritan leader, Roger Williams.  Banished from Massachusetts, he seeks religious freedom for his followers.  He nicknames the Rhode Island colony “Providence Plantations.”

In 1793, America’s first successful cotton mill begins operations.  Founded by Samuel Slater, Slater Mill is located along the Blackstone River in Pawtucket.  The site remains preserved as a living museum.

The city of Newport is known for its sailing history, and it provides a home for the U.S. Navy War College (founded in 1884).  Rhode Island is well-known for its 21 lighthouses, and several are located at Newport.  One of the most famous is the Ida Lewis Rock Lighthouse.

The state capitol in Providence features the world’s fourth largest self-supported marble dome.  Newport is know as the home for “summer cottages” of the rich and famous from years past.  Some of America’s richest families spend fortunes in building mansions of unforgettable splendor.

row 1:  one of rhode island’s many lighthouses, u.s. Navy war college, nighttime in providence,  Row 2:  state flag, state bird red hen, summer cottage at newport.  Row 3:  slater mill, state capitol.  (all images courtesy of pinterest)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

A garbage truck.