On This Day, October 9, 1635, Roger Williams, a prominent figure in the early history of America, faced a defining moment when he was convicted of sedition and heresy and subsequently banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Williams, a Puritan minister known for his radical views, had challenged the colony’s civil and religious practices, advocating for the separation of church and state and defending the rights of Native Americans.
Williams’ beliefs, particularly his stance against the colony’s appropriation of Native American lands without fair compensation, put him at odds with the colony’s leaders. His progressive views on religious freedom were also seen as a threat to the colony’s Puritanical order. As a result, the General Court of Massachusetts decided to exile him.
However, Williams’ departure was delayed due to illness and the harsh New England winter. It wasn’t until January 1636 that he was forced to flee. In a dramatic escape, Williams traveled 55 miles through the snow, eventually finding refuge with the Narragansett tribe. His time with the Native Americans not only provided him shelter but also deepened his respect for their culture and rights.
This experience laid the groundwork for Williams’ founding of the colony of Rhode Island, where he established the town of Providence. Rhode Island became a haven for religious freedom and tolerance, thanks in large part to Williams’ commitment to these principles. His advocacy for the separation of church and state and his fair treatment of Native Americans were ahead of his time, and his legacy is seen as foundational in the development of religious freedom and civil liberties in the United States.
