RHODE ISLAND

Little Rhody, Ocean State

Origin of state's name: Possibly named in honor of the Greek Island of Rhodes
Rhode Island - was named Roode Eylandt by Adriaen Block, Dutch explorer, because of its red clay.

Placed on a white field is a circle of thirteen gold stars representing the first thirteen states. The stars surround a gold ship's anchor. The states motto " Hope" is on a blue ribbon below the anchor. Possibly the idea of the anchor and motto come from the biblical quotation:

Entered Union: Thirteenth of original 13 states to ratify the Constitution, May 29, 1790
Capital: Providence
Motto: Hope
Flower: Violet
Bird: Rhode Island red
Tree: Red maple
Song: Rhode Island

A LITTLE HISTORY
Rhode Island is distinguished for its battle for freedom of conscience and action, begun by Roger Williams, founder of Providence, who was exiled from Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1636, and Anne Hutchinson, exiled in 1638. Rhode Island gave protection to Quakers in 1657 and to Jews from Holland in 1658.
The colonists broke the power of the Narragansett Indians in the Great Swamp Fight in 1675, the decisive battle in Kind Philip's War. British trade restrictions angered the colonists, and they burned the British revenue cutter Gaspee in 1772. The colony declared its independence May 4, 1776. General John Sullivan and Lafayette won a partial victory in 1778, but failed to oust the British.

FACTS AND TRIVIA ABOUT RHODE ISLAND
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the U.S.

Rhode Island is a primary center for jewelry manufacturing in the United States.

Despite its dense population, 60 percent of the state is forestland.

The largest manufacturer of silverware in the world is in Providence. The plant from the early 1800's.

In 1524 the Florentine navigator Giovanni da Verrazano, while sailing for France, was the first European to explore Rhode Island. By comparing Block Island with the Mediterranean island Rhodes, he accidentally gave it its name.

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