1. Rhode Island Area: 1,545 square miles Capital: Providence State since: May 29, 1790 Roger Williams founded Rhode Island in a bid for religious tolerance in 1636. Also hailing from Rhode Island was Revolutionary War military genius Nathanael Greene. The last of the 13 Colonies to ratify the Constitution, the Ocean State was at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution, with Samuel Slater's mills in Pawtucket. Newport is home to the Tennis Hall of Fame. Fun Rhode Island fact: The oldest schoolhouse in the United States was built in Portsmouth, in 1716.

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce