The Ravishing State of Rhode Island Quiz

Answer: Astronomical Observatory

At 812 ft. (247m) above sea level, Jerimoth Hill is the highest spot in the state of Rhode Island. In the 1930s, it was donated to Brown University by an alumnus Walter Turner. The university has used it for decades as an astronomical observatory because of its lack of light pollution. On the very top of the hill is an imbedded boulder that is thought to have been deposited by a glacier centuries ago. For many years hiking was not allowed on the hill but that changed early in the 21st century when new owners took over the surrounding properties.

Answer: Seaside mansion

The Breakers is one of the beautiful seaside homes known collectively as the Newport Mansions. They are some of Rhode Island's most popular attractions. Located in Newport, these homes were, at one time, the lavish summer cottages of some of America's wealthiest families, including the Vanderbilts, the Astors, and the Dukes.

Answer: Gambling casino

Constructed between 1883-1886, The Towers is all that remains of the Narragansett Pier Casino. This edifice is often used for concerts, weddings, fundraisers, and other celebrations. Historical pictures are found all over the building. They are a testament to the time when Narragansett was the center of high society in the state and to the many grand hotels that once lined this ocean front location.

Answer: Block Island Southeast Lighthouse

The coast of Rhode Island was known as one of the most hazardous regions for incoming ships. The Block Island Southeast Lighthouse, completed in 1875, was considered to be one of the finest lighthouses on the Atlantic coast. It stands on the first island landfall for all ships approaching Rhode Island from the south or east.

It was one of the first lighthouses to make use of the superior lighting provided by a Fresnel lens.

Answer: Atlantic Ocean

Although Rhode Island is only 60km (37mi) wide and 77km (48 mi) long, it has almost 618km (384 mi) of coastline. Nicknamed 'The Ocean State', Rhode Island is the home of numerous beautiful Atlantic beaches. This easy access to the ocean provides much of the seafood found in their regional cuisine. Lobster, crab, shrimp, fish, and clams can all be found as popular choices in the area's restaurants.

Answer: False

Roger Williams Park is a beautiful park with a world class zoo, a planetarium, and a Museum of Natural History. It is also home to one of the largest public indoor display gardens in New England. It's outdoor gardens can be seen in this old postcard. It is found in the capital city of Providence, not Concord. Also, a low-lying state, there are no real mountains in Rhode Island. Lowlands and some small forested areas dominate the state.

Answer: Brown

Established in 1764, Brown University is the only one of these options found in Rhode Island. It holds the distinction of being the first college in North America to allow enrollment of students of any religious denomination. It is also home to the oldest undergraduate engineering program in North America. A tour of the campus makes a wonderful afternoon outing.

Answer: Hurricane

Because of its location on the west coast of the Atlantic, Rhode Island is much more likely to be hit by a hurricane than to suffer and earthquake, avalanche, or volcanic eruption. This photo of Hurricane Carol in 1954 shows some of the devastation that can be suffered when a hurricane makes landfall.

This storm flooded many coastal areas of the state with over 12 ft. (3.7m) of water. The building in this photo is the Edgewood Yacht club which somehow survived this attack by Mother Nature and can still be visited today.

Answer: Scituate Reservoir

Over 60% of the population of Rhode Island uses The Scituate Reservoir for their drinking water supply. Five villages were flooded over to make this man-made body of water in the 1920s. Artifacts from these villages can still be seen under the water and dotting the shore. Bus tours provide those with an interest in history and relaxing visit to an area where the past and the present can be viewed together.

Answer: Birdwatching

Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge is one of the five national wildlife refuges that can be visited while in Rhode Island. Established in 1970, this area is a mixture of scrubland, wetlands, wooded swamps, and a few freshwater ponds. Birdwatchers love this place. Four miles of hiking trails crisscross the park allowing visitors access to the whole park. If you love nature, a day trip to this refuge will make for a wonderful outing.