Puritan refugee and Massachusetts exile Roger Williams settled Providence, Rhode Island, in June of 1636. It soon became one of the thirteen original colonies of the United States. The Narragansett Native Americans previously occupied Rhode Island's land.

British taxation held back the city’s economical growth in its fishing, farming and nautical enterprises. Providence joined the allegiance against the British Crown and opposed the Sugar Act, a taxation that negatively affected Providence’s international rum trade. The famous Gaspee Affair of 1772 involved the residents of Providence leading the first violent attack of the American Revolution.

After the war, Providence’s economic industry changed from maritime activities to manufacturing, especially in jewelry and textiles. Such industries drew many immigrants from Western Europe, like Italy, Ireland, England, Portugal and Cape Verde of Africa, all of which greatly contribute to the demographic populations of the state today.

The jewelry industry boomed in the 1920s. The Great Depression hit hard economically, leading to population decreases as a result of the decline of nationwide trends. Organized crime rose to the forefront in Providence in the 1950s through the 1980s, primarily situated in Providence's Federal Hill neighborhood. Providence became a notorious mob scene led by mafia boss Raymond L. S. Patriarca.

The “Renaissance City” got its nickname in the 1990s when Mayor Vincent “Buddy” Cianci Jr came into his second term. After investing millions local and national funds throughout the city in the 1970s, falling populations became stabilized. Cianci pushed for an emphasis on the city’s strength in the arts and entertainment and revitalized the city’s natural landscape. He brought Rhode Island the Providence Bruins hockey team, uncovered Providence’s rivers, relocated a large section of the railroad underground, created the now famous Waterplace Park and river walks, and sanctioned the construction of the Bank of America Skating Rink and gigantic Providence Place Mall.

Providence has a long history of political corruption that some feel to be part of the local charm. In keeping with this tradition; Mayor Cianci was indicted not once but twice from local office. When running for office for his second term, he actually ran partly from jail. It wasn't until a 2001 racketeering case was brought against Cianci that the notorious Mayor's reign ended.

The current Mayor of Providence is Angel Taveras who has made strides to end the coffer draining in the capitol.