Rhode Island is a peaceful, laid back state. It’s also a state packed with some of the toughest people on the planet. Here are nine solid examples of Rhode Islanders’ perseverance and patience.

1. Rhode Islanders have weathered some pretty tough storms and blizzards, like the blizzard of 1978.
-ocean / Flickr
Remember when Rhode Island got two feet of snow in 33 hours, and Westerly actually got 54 inches? Wind gusts reached about 79 MPH. And although the snow took everyone by surprise, Rhode Islanders got through it.
2. Speaking of weather, summers can be hot and humid in the Ocean State, and the locals handle that well, too.
Julian Colton / Flickr
Humid heat can really suck the life out of you... unless you've learned to cope like a Rhode Islander.
3. Any state with a pirate history like Rhode Island's is bound to have some tough residents.
Elizabeth Haslam / Flickr
Old Newport was full of pirates and smugglers, and the White Horse Tavern was once owned by a pirate. And who could forget that 26 pirates were buried on Goat Island in the 1700s?
4. And then, of course, there's our vampire history.
Josh McGinn / Flickr
The eerie story of Mercy Brow, often called Rhode Island's last vampire, proves that Rhode Islanders will do what it takes to try to keep themselves safe.

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5. With all due respect to our friends in other areas, Rhode Islanders have to answer some silly questions.
JJBers / Flickr
No, it's not an actual island, No, it's not a road, either. And yes, it's a real state.
6. As one of the oldest states, Rhode Island has many roads that are long, narrow, and difficult to navigate.
Doug Kerr / Flickr
But we manage to drive, rain, snow, or shine.
7. Speaking of driving, Rhode Island is quite densely populated, which leads to some interesting traffic at times.
Jef Nickerson / Flickr
So not only are Rhode Islanders tough, they're also patient.
8. Rhode Islanders can live for days and weeks at a time on clam cakes alone (and possibly forever).
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Most have tested this theory. Just try us.
9. And, most importantly, Rhode Islanders are tough because they will come together to help each other through any crisis.
JJBers / Flickr
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, neighbors reached out to neighbors to offer assistance. People continued to support local restaurants with takeout and gift cards, and even though it's virtually impossible to stay off our beautiful beaches on a beautiful day, Rhode Islanders are managing to do that for everyone's safety. Not only are people from Rhode Island tough, they're caring.

If you were born and raised in the Ocean State, hold your head up high… except when driving over those notorious potholes. You’ll want to brace yourself for those.

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