William Coddington, a Puritan merchant and former Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, played a pivotal role in founding the settlement of Newport in Rhode Island. In the wake of increasing religious and political tensions in Massachusetts, where dissenters faced persecution, Coddington sought to establish a new community where religious freedoms were paramount. In May 1639, he led a group of fellow dissenters to Aquidneck Island, which had been inhabited by the Narragansett tribe. They negotiated the purchase of the land, laying the groundwork for what would become the town of Newport.

The community attracted numerous settlers who were drawn by the promise of freedom from strict Puritan laws and the opportunity to engage in commerce and trade. Newport soon flourished as a bustling port, facilitating trade not only with other New England colonies but also with European markets. Coddington's leadership emphasized the importance of self-governance and civic participation, principles that resonated with the settlers and influenced the area's political development.

Coddington continued to serve as a leader in the colony, navigating the complexities of relations with both the indigenous peoples and other English settlers. Under his guidance, Newport became a hub for different religious sects, promoting a culture of tolerance that would become a defining characteristic of Rhode Island. This early settlement marked a significant step in the evolution of American society toward plurality and individual rights, contributing to the broader narrative of religious freedom in the New World.