Roger Williams, born in London around 1603, embarked on a transformative journey that led him to become a pivotal figure in American history. As an English theologian and minister, Williams' quest for religious freedom and fair dealings with Native Americans culminated in the founding of Providence Plantations, which later became the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
From London to Massachusetts Bay
Williams' early life in London was marked by a spiritual conversion
that his father disapproved of. He apprenticed under Sir Edward Coke, a renowned jurist, and attended Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in 1627. Williams' education equipped him with a facility for languages, including Latin, Hebrew, Greek, Dutch, and French.
In 1630, Williams decided to leave England, boarding the Boston-bound Lyon with his wife. He arrived in America in 1631, initially declining a position in the Boston church due to its lack of separation from the Church of England. Williams' beliefs led him to Plymouth Colony, where he preached and questioned the validity of colonial charters that did not include legitimate purchase of Native American land.
Establishing Providence Plantations
Williams' radical ideas resulted in his banishment from the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1635. He traveled through the snow to Raynham, Massachusetts, where he was sheltered by the Wampanoags. In the spring of 1636, Williams and his companions settled on land purchased from Massasoit, but soon moved to a new location to avoid jurisdictional issues with Plymouth Colony.
Upon crossing the Seekonk River, Williams was greeted by the Narragansett people, who welcomed him with the words "What cheer, Netop." Williams acquired land from sachems Canonicus and Miantonomi, establishing Providence Plantations as a haven for those "distressed of conscience." The settlement was governed by a majority vote of heads of households, focusing solely on civil matters.
Williams' Enduring Influence
Roger Williams' journey from England to America was marked by his unwavering commitment to religious freedom and fair dealings with Native Americans. His establishment of Providence Plantations laid the foundation for the separation of church and state, influencing the development of religious liberty in America.
Williams' legacy continues to resonate, as his writings and principles inspire ongoing debates on religious freedom and the role of government. His journey serves as a testament to the power of conviction and the enduring impact of one individual's quest for justice and equality.
