Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams in 1636.During the colonial period, Newport was a major hub for shipping and trade, and in the 19th century Rhode Island was at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution and the establishment of power-driven textile mills. The natural materials and raw resources available to the colonists in Colonial Rhode Island were fish, whales and timber from the dense forests. Farming was difficult for crops like wheat because of the poor soil but corn, pumpkins, rye, squash and beans were raised. Because it was a major hub for shipping and trade, it was a rich colony. People often ran stores or small businesses, were skilled tradesmen or belonged to professions. The jupper class consisted of wealthy and well educated minor aristocrats.The economy of Colonial Rhode Island was based on manufacture and industries such as ship building and the manufacture and export of rum. In towns along the coast, the colonists made their living fishing, whaling, shipbuilding and shipping. The economy of other parts of Colonial Rhode Island was based on timber products, the fur trade, maple syrup, copper, livestock products, horses, rum, whiskey and beer. On the negative side, Rhode Island Colony was a major port for the slave trade and it was actively involved in trading slaves for rum and molasses. Finally in 1652 the Rhode Island Colony prohibited the import of slaves, but it was not enforced until 1774.
