Final answer:
The smallest state in terms of land area in the United States, measuring about 48 miles long and 37 miles wide, is Rhode Island. It is notable for being founded as a place of refuge for those escaping religious persecution and for its influence on the Declarations and Resolves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The state that is about 48 miles long and 37 miles wide is Rhode Island. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States in terms of land area. The state's official name, 'State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations', is derived from the merger of four Colonial settlements.
The settlements of Newport and Portsmouth were situated on what is commonly called Aquidneck Island today, but was called Rhode Island in Colonial times. Providence Plantation was the name of the colony founded by Roger Williams in the area now known as the city of Providence.
This colony was a safe haven for those fleeing religious persecution and it played a central role in the drafting of the Declarations and Resolves, which outlined the Colonies' grievances with British rule.