While Rhode Island has often been criticized for political chicanery, the greed of some of its leading citizens, and for being obstinate in thwarting the desires of the other states, it is significant to note that despite these shortcomings Rhode Island stands head and shoulders in the field of religious freedom and the emancipation of slaves.

Today, with so many Roman Catholics making their homes in Rhode Island, it is almost inconceivable that at one time there was a tremendous prejudice against people practicing the tenets of that religious persuasion. Here in the land that Roger Williams did so much to promote the cause of religious freedom, prejudice raised its ugly head in the 18th century. Much of this was due to fear and misunderstanding. Fortunately, by 1783 the spirit fostered by Roger Williams prevailed and Catholics were granted equal rights.

In much the same manner, Rhode Island provided a number of leading citizens who realized the unfairness and evils of slavery. While the gradual emancipation act of 1784 certainly has its shortcomings, it was a definite step in those people who hoped to abolish slavery.

Much of the impetus of this movement was due to the fact there were so many Quakers established at Warwick. Leading members of the Greene family and Moses Brown provided much of the necessary political and economic foresight in bringing this early act of emancipation.

In addition to the ratification of the Constitution and the increased trade that resulted, there were two very significant measures passed in the late 18th century that affected some of Warwick’s citizens. One of these acts, passed in 1783, gave Roman Catholics full rights of citizenship.

The second statute, calling for the gradual emancipation of slaves, passed in 1784, had its roots in the Colonial period. As early as 1652, Warwick’s founder, Samuel Gorton, then president of the colony, called for a general assembly that ordered that “no slave, black or white, could be held in servitude for more than ten years.” This was one of the first laws in English colonies to provide for emancipation.

After a great deal of deliberation and discussion in the press, Rhode Island called for freedom for “all children born of slave mothers” after the first of March 1784. Warwick, with a large Quaker population, had very early shown her displeasure with slavery.

By the end of the 18th century, it was obvious that Warwick had played a significant role in the development of the early Colonial period; that it played a key role in the movement for independence; provided many great heroes to the Revolutionary War; and participated in the emancipation of slaves and the freedom of religion.

While the town had only reluctantly agreed to ratification of the U.S. Constitution, it was able to reap the benefits of the increased trade and the stability that resulted from it. By the close of the century, Warwick was in the position of taking full advantage of the beginnings of the textile industry. Warwick was able to adapt form a mercantile economy to become a leading textile manufacturer.