Rhode Island State House

One of the grandest state houses in the U.S. for the country's smallest state. Designed by the renowned architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White, noted for the Boston Public Library (1895) and renovations to the White House (1902), the majestic domed building clad in white Georgia marble was built (1895-1904) at the high point of Rhode Island's Industrial prosperity. Inside, a new museum showcases the Colonial Charter granted in 1663 by King Charles II of England. The Charter was first signed by a monarch to guarantee religious liberty. Atop the State House dome stands a statue of Rhode Island's Independent Man, representing the spirit of freedom of thought and action.