Providence, Rhode Island is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Rhode Island. It was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a Reformed Baptist theologian and religious exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.13 Providence is renowned for its dedication to growing its reputation as a major seaport and trade center, which led to the city becoming the first in the United States to establish trade relations with foreign cities.0 Rhode Island is known for making silverware and fine jewelry, and the world's largest bug, a big blue termite, is on the roof of New England Pest Control in Providence.