Roger Williams

Timeline

1. 1603–1636Massachusetts Bay Colony · Massachusetts Bay ColonyAfter studying at Cambridge, Williams arrived in Boston in 1631; his advocacy of liberty of conscience, opposition to the seizure of Native lands, and challenges to the colonial authorities' religious authority brought him into conflict with Winthrop and others, and he was banished from the colony in 1635.
2. 1636–1662Providence · Rhode IslandHe founded Providence on the shores of Narragansett Bay, instituting more lenient religious and civic self-government. He later helped unite the towns of Rhode Island, learned the languages of the Algonquian peoples, and handled relations with Native tribes and neighboring colonies through diplomacy.
3. 1663–1683Providence · Colony of Rhode Island and Providence PlantationsIn 1663 Charles II issued a charter merging Providence, Newport, and others into the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, guaranteeing liberty of conscience. Williams continued to hold important offices in the 1660s, upholding colonial self-government and the tradition of religious toleration, and died in 1683.