Rhode Island Independence Day

May 4, 1776

It's May ye 4th Seventeen Hundred and Seventy-Six. Today the Colony of Rhode Island has renounced allegiance King George III.

He has been behaving like a tyrant. We have had enough! (We are not yet ready to declare ourselves independent but in the future, this day will be known as Rhode Island Independence Day).

Small vinyl doll with red ponytail and long floral print dress in front of a bronze plaque

Mini Felicity May 4, 1776

The Rhode Island General Assembly passed the Act of Renunciation at the Old State House on Benefit Street in Providence. We have five colony houses actually, but Providence is where the General Assembly is at the moment.

Small vinyl doll with red hair and long floral print dress in front of an artist drawing of a large Georgian brick building with tower

The Rhode Island State House in 1776 (an artist rendering)

Mini Felicity stands in for me as she visits the Colony House. (ed. note: newly renovated Old State House)

Small vinyl doll with red hair and long floral print dress outside a large Georgian brick building with tower

Mini Felicity outside the Old Colony House in Providence

'Twas built between [17]60-62 [ed. note: and later expanded twice in the 19th-c. ]. after a fire destroyed the first colony house. This style of building is classic Georgian architecture. It takes up the whole block between Town Street and the new part of Town Street now called Benefit Street. (It was widened for the benefit of all).

Here is mini Felicity at the parade ground outside.

Mini Felicity stands on the Parade Ground

She heads inside to listen to a reading of the Act of Renunciation in the Council Chamber.

Mini Felicity waits to hear the General Assembly read the Act of Renunciation

The General Assembly have added in some new oaths stating we no longer have to swear loyalty to the King. They declare the General Assembly will continue to govern itself. All court proceedings will be performed in the name of the state, not the King!