Providence, RI – Day 3 / Capitol #7

The drive to Providence was the shortest distance between any two capitols: only 50 miles.  On top of a Smith Hill, the Rhode Island State House is visible from Interstate 95 and was easy to find. Besides the warm greeting that I received from the capitol policeman through a door left open to take advantage of the warm breeze, the things that stood out most were the marble staircases, balconies and Roman columns and a canon in front of a flag case called the Gettysburg Gun; it was last fired during the 1863 Civil War battle at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  

On top of the dome stands a gold-covered, bronze statue called “The Independent Man” which is a symbol of the independent spirit and initiative which led Roger Williams to settle in Rhode Island in his search for freedom of worship.  Below it reads: “To hold forth a lively experiment that a most flourishing civil state may stand and best be maintained with full liberty in religious concernments.”