Rhode Island Ratification

Digital versions of the Rhode Island print volumes can be found for free on the University of Wisconsin Library’s Digital Collection:

• Rhode Island Volume 1: 20 August 1787–2 July 1788 (link will open to volume Table of Contents)
• Rhode Island Volume 2: 3 July 1788–16 February 1790 (link will open to volume Table of Contents)
• Rhode Island Volume 3: 20 January 1790–20 November 1790 (link will open to volume Table of Contents)
• Rhode Island Supplemental Documents

Significant Events and Individuals in Rhode Island Politics

• Introduction to Ratification in Rhode Island
• Rhode Island Chronology, 1772-1790
• Officers of the State of Rhode Island
• Rhode Island Biographical Gazetteer
• Rhode Island Map of Vote

State Ratifying Convention Meeting Places (see all)

• First Session, South Kingstown, 1-6 March 1790 (State House in Little Rest, modern-day Kingston)
• Second Session, Newport, 24-29 May 1790: (Colony House [which is the State House], 24-26 May; Second Baptist Church, 27-29 May)

Significant Speeches/Documents in Favor of Ratification

• Columbus, Newport Herald, 17 January 1788
• Anarch, Newport Herald, 7 February 1788
• A Rhode-Island Man, Newport Mercury, 25 February 1788
• American Philosopher, Newport Herald, 29 May 1788
• A Rhode-Islander, Newport Herald, 10 July 1788
• Solon, junior, (David Howell?), Providence Gazette, 12 July 1788
• Phocion, (Theodore Foster), Providence United States Chronicle, 17 July 1788
• Observer, Newport Herald, 24 July 1788

Significant Speeches/Documents Opposing Ratification

• Philelaetheros, United States Chronicle, 22 November 1787
• A Newport Man, Newport Mercury, 20 March 1788
• A Rhode-Island Landholder, Providence, United States Chronicle, 20 March 1788
• Providence, United States Chronicle, 27 March 1788
• A real Federalist, Providence, Unites States Chronicle, 27 March 1788
• Lycurgus, Providence, United States Chronicle, 3 April 1788
• A Friend to Paper Money, Newport Herald, 12 June 1788

Recommended Amendments

• Rhode Island Form of Ratification and Amendments, 29 May 1790

Significant Outcomes

• The State Referendum and Responses