Rhode Island became the 13th state of the United States on May 29, 1790. It was the last of the original thirteen colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Rhode Island's decision to join the Union came after significant pressure from other states and the promise of a Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms.

Before becoming a state, Rhode Island had a unique history of religious freedom. It was founded by Roger Williams in 1636 as a place of refuge for people seeking religious liberty, after Williams was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for his belief in separation of church and state.

Although Rhode Island initially resisted the Constitution, fearing that it gave too much power to the federal government, the state eventually ratified it. Rhode Island's reluctance to join the Union was due in part to the desire to maintain its own autonomy, particularly in regard to trade policies and economic interests.

Today, Rhode Island is the smallest state in the U.S., known for its coastal towns, maritime heritage, and thriving arts and culture scene.