providence was founded in 1636 by roger williams, a religious exile from the massachusetts bay colony. he named the area in honor of "god's merciful providence" which he believed was responsible for revealing such a haven for him and his followers to settle. the official name of the state includes the name of the city, "rhode island and providence plantations". after being one of the first cities in the country to industrialize, providence became noted for its jewelry and silverware industry. today, the city of providence is home to eight hospitals and seven institutions of higher learning, which has shifted the city's economy into service industries, although it still retains significant manufacturing activity.