During the later portion of the 18th century, the main source of income for Rhode Island was the maritime industry. The state had a long history of shipbuilding and trade, and its ports were bustling with activity. Rhode Island's merchants traded with ports in the Americas, Europe, and Africa, and the state's economy benefited from the profits of these ventures. In addition to the maritime industry, Rhode Island also had a thriving agricultural sector, which produced a variety of crops such as corn, wheat, and rye. The state also had a number of small manufacturing businesses, such as textile mills and iron foundries.