so he left and started a settlement he called Providence
Williams and his fellows
acquired land from the American Indians in the areas,and the colony grew rapidly.
The city Williams founded,Providence,
is now the capital of Rhode Island and the state's largest city.
When Williams lived there,Providence was a farming town.
During the 18th century,it was a well-known shipping center.
Today the city has a busy port and many different industries
It is also the home of Brown University, one of the nation's oldest colleges.
Rhode Island is a popular vacation area for Americans,
particularly New Englanders.
One well-known summer resort is Newport.
Newport is famous for its beaches and mansions.
Many wealthy fami- lies built summer homes in Newport in the 19th century.
Visitors today to Newport can tour many of these elegant mansions
and can enjoy the beach and many water activities.
Another very popular vacation spot in Rhode Island is Block Island.
The Island,about nine miles south of the mainland,
is famous for its beautiful scenery and excellent fishing.
Valentine's Day is named for Saint Valentine,
an early Christian churchman who reportedly helped young lovers.
Valentine was executed for his Christian beliefs
on February 14 more than 1700 years ago,
but the day that has his name is even earlier than that.
More than 2000 years ago,the ancient Romans celebrated a holiday for lovers.
As part of the celebration,
girls wrote their names on pieces of paper and put them in a large container
Boys reached into the container and pulled one out.
The girl whose name was written on the paper
became his lover of sweetheart for a year.
Lovers still put their names on pieces of paper
and send each other Valentine's Day cards that tell of their love.
Sometimes they send gifts,like flowers or chocolate candy.
Americans usually send these gifts and cards through the mail system.
But some use another way to send this message.
They have it printed in a newspaper.The cost is usually a few dollars.
Some of these messages are simple and short:
Jane,I love you very much.Peter.
Others say more.This one for example:"Dan Roses are red, violets are blue.
I hope you love me as much as I love you.Forever,Mary."
Most of the news- papers that print such messages are local,
but one,USA Today,
is sold throughout the United States and 90 other countries as well.
This means someone can send a Valentine messages to a lover