The article discusses the role of Rhode Island in the intellectual history of the U.S. during the 18th century. The author comments on how commercial development in Newport, Rhode Island and free-thinking in the region provided favorable conditions for English philosopher George Berkeley to exert intellectual influence by promoting idealism and artistic and architectural concepts of the Renaissance. The migration of Quakers to Rhode Island and the establishment of the Redwood Library are noted. Connections between Rhode Island and artists such as John Smibert are discussed. The immigration of physicians such as Thomas Moffatt and William Hunter helped improve science and medicine in Rhode Island. Former Rhode Island governor Stephen Hopkins chronicled the history of the state.