Within the Rhode Island colony, there were several Native American tribes. Since its foundation, the colonists performed exchanges to gain land on which they may build their towns. Trade between the settlers and the Narragansett natives remained a practice for a long time.
Trade with the Native Americans
MAJOR INDUSTRIES
Colonial Rhode Island's largest cities—Providence, Portsmouth, and Newport—were located by the coast. Here, shipbuilding, whaling, and fishing significantly contributed to the economy.
Shipbuilding
In regions farther away from the coast, manufacturing businesses were the focus the economy, for Rhode Island was rich in several important raw materials. Its factories predominantly worked with copper, maple syrup, livestock, and timber. Rhode Island also produced beverages such as rum, whiskey, and beer. It was also an active participant in the Fur Trade.
Manufacturing Industries
TRADE
Colonial Rhode Island did partake in the Triangular Trade. It received slaves, though not in great quantities such as those in the south. As a part of this global exchange in addition to mercantile policies of the Navigation Acts, Rhode Island would export much of its raw materials and manufactured goods to Europe. Since the colony mass produced these, mercantilism did not largely hinder Rhode Island's economy like it did to many others. In fact, it allowed Rhode Island's economy to flourish and grow.
The Triangular Trade:
observe how Newport, Rhode Island, was a major port city in this trade.