Front:
ROGER WLLIAMS
25
NATHANAEL
GREENE
Slater Mill, 1793|
May 29, 1790
Rhodstd
SEKET,
29
SAMUEL
SLATER
1990
02860
ESEK HOPKINS
HOPE
RI
PAWT
Back:
RHODE ISLAND STATEHOOD BICENTENNIAL
First Day of Issue: May 29, 1990
First Issue Location: Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Born in freedom, adaptable and enterprising, tiny Rhode
Island epitomizes all the ambiguities of the mighty Ameri-
can dream. The state's founder, Roger Williams, moved
to the area in 1636 with a handful of his followers.
Williams' belief in religious liberty and freedom of con-
science led to the development of political liberty and
practical democracy. The colony prospered and grew
self-reliant, and when its people felt poorly served by
British policies, they readily supported the founding of a
new nation. However, in keeping with the Rhode Island-
ers' belief in freedom, many were hesitant to join a nation
that allowed slavery. The cautious citizens of Rhode
Island would not be rushed in their decision and only after
twelve of the original thirteen states ratified the
Constitution and joined the Union did Rhode Island's
legislature decide to hold a ratifying convention. Because
of issues like slavery, the vote was close, but Rhode Island
finally squeaked into the Union with thirty-four delegates
in favor, thirty-two opposed.
CONSTIT
No. 90-21
21816412821 * UNITED STATES
* 1661
* 1987-
* 19
©1990 The Maximum Card Collection
A Division of Unicover Corporation • Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007
Original painting by David K. Stone
SCENTENNIAL
An Official Maximum Card of
the Commission on the Bicentennial
of the United States Constitution
