Rhode Island Royal Charter

Rhode Island Royal Charter of 1663 was a document giving English royal recognition to the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, providing a foundation for the government, and outlining broad freedoms for the inhabitants of that colony. It was the guiding document for the government of Rhode Island over a period of 180 years, and was the oldest constitutional charter in the world at the time of its retirement in 1843. It was drafted by Rhode Island's agent in England Dr. John Clarke, approved by England's King Charles II in July 1663, and delivered to the colony the following November. It was read to the freemen of the Rhode Island colony on 24 November 1663 by Captain George Baxter. The Assembly voted that words of humble thanks should be sent to the King, and a gratuity sent to Dr. Clarke and to Mr. Baxter.

Rhode Island Settlement History

 * See also Wikipedia: Outline History of Rhode Island
 * Providence Civil Compact - 1637: 1st Plantation in Rhode Island, by Roger Williams and his followers.
 * Portsmouth Compact - 1638: 2nd Plantation in Rhode Island
 * Newport Compact - 1639: 3rd Plantation in Rhode Island
 * Warwick Settelment - 1642: 4th Plantation in Rhode Island
 * Rhode Island Royal Charter - 1663: Formal founding of Colony