新概念英语初中早读 （21）美国最小的州
The Smallest State in America
美国最小的州
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in America,
罗德岛也许是美国最小的州,
but it has an exciting history.
但它有一段很有意思的历史。
A colonist named Roger Williams
一个叫罗杰.威廉斯的殖民开拓者
started the first permanent settlement there in 1636.
于1636年在这里建立了第一个永久性殖民地。
Like other early Americans,
同其他早期移民一样,
he had come to America to seek religious freedom.
他踏上美国是为了寻求宗教自由。
But Williams could not practice his religion in Massachusetts,
然而他无法在马萨诸塞州从事宗教活动,
so he left and started a settlement he called Providence
只得离开那里,建立了一个他命名为普罗威登斯的殖民地。
Williams and his fellows
威廉斯和他的追随者
acquired land from the American Indians in the areas,and the colony grew rapidly.
从当地的美洲印第安人手中获得了土地,致使殖民地迅速发展起来。
The city Williams founded,Providence,
威廉斯创建的普罗威登斯城
is now the capital of Rhode Island and the state’s largest city.
如今是罗德岛的首府,也是该州最大的城市。
When Williams lived there,Providence was a farming town.
而威廉斯在世时,普罗威登斯还是一座以农业为主的小镇
During the 18th century,it was a well-known shipping center.
18世纪时,它逐渐发展成为闻名遐迩的航运中心。
Today the city has a busy port and many different industries
今天,此城拥有一座繁忙的港口和诸多工业。
It is also the home of Brown University, one of the nation’s oldest colleges.
它还是美国最古老的高等学府之一的布朗大学的所在地。
Rhode Island is a popular vacation area for Americans,
罗德岛还是美国人最爱的度假之地,
particularly New Englanders.
尤其对新英格兰人来说更是如此。
One well-known summer resort is Newport.
那里的新港是颇负盛名的避暑胜地。
Newport is famous for its beaches and mansions.
以其沙滩和富丽堂皇的别墅而着称。
Many wealthy fami- lies built summer homes in Newport in the 19th century.
19世纪时,许多人钱人在新港建造了不少夏季别墅。
Visitors today to Newport can tour many of these elegant mansions
如今去新港度假的人可以参观这些富丽堂皇的别墅，
and can enjoy the beach and many water activities.
并享受着那里的沙滩和各种各样的水上运动。
Another very popular vacation spot in Rhode Island is Block Island.
罗德岛另一个十分着名的度假点是布洛克岛。
The Island,about nine miles south of the mainland,
这座岛屿位于美国大陆以南九公里处，
is famous for its beautiful scenery and excellent fishing.
以美丽如画的风景和繁荣的渔业而享誉美国。