Native Americans have been living in Rhode Island for at least 15,000 - 30,000 years. Around 8 - 10,000 years ago, they began farming and settling in more permanent villages. The Natives depended heavily on corn (maize) but unlike many of their neighbors, the Narragansett retained their hunting and gathering roots and seasonally went out on hunts. They fished as well.
Through war, diplomacy and prowess, the Narragansett grew to be larger than the surrounding tribes and over the centuries subjected them. They were known for their prowess as warriors and they offered protection to smaller tribes such as the Niantic, Wampanoag and Manisseans.
As they grew in size, the Narragansett evolved their government systems to fit with their new responsibilities. They developed a structure similar to that of Europe, whereas they had minor chiefdoms (similar to lords), ruled over by a Grand Chief or chiefs(similar to kings and emperors). These chiefs, or sachems, as they were known, would be advised by a council of prominent tribal members along with spiritual leaders.
Leading up to when the first Europeans began arriving in Rhode Island, the Narragansett Nation was dominant in the Rhode Island area, with their long time rivals being the Pequot from the Connecticut area.
In 1524, Italian Explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano was the the first European to encounter the Narragansett in Narragansett Bay.