Armenians from Kharpert, Sepastia and Palou areas of the Ottoman Empire were the main immigrants to Rhode Island. Villagers from Datem. Hussenig, Govdoun and some others also were among the first Rhode Island Armenians. Means of arrival into Providence varied. Most journeyed by ship from Europe to New York and Ellis Island and from there by train to Providence. Others came directly b ship into the Port of Providence. The arrival location was at a 3000 foot-long pier at the bottom of Public street. There was ship service to and from Boston and New York, win stops at New haven and Bridgeport. 

Established in 1911, the 'Paine Line' a French steamship company of Marseilles, France, turned the Port of Providence into one of the major immigrant arrival destinations in America. Many Armenians arrived via the Fabre Line. Records of immigrants and the ships on which they sailed, arriving in Providence, are available at the Rhode Island Historical Society archives.

Post the 1915 genocide era, journeys to America were more difficult to make. Temporary residencies: were established in such countries as France, Cuba, Canada, India, China, Lebanon and Syria.