Rhode Island: State Flag, Bird and Facts
Rhode Island's state bird is the Rhode Island Red, a chicken, and its state flower is the violet.
- Capital
- Providence
- Nickname
- The Ocean State
- State bird
- Rhode Island Red
- State flower
- Violet
- State tree
- Red maple
- Admitted
- May 29, 1790
- Population
- 1,097,379 (2020 census)
- Motto
- Hope
- Region
- Northeast
- Area
- 3,144 km² (1,214 sq mi)
- Highest point
- Jerimoth Hill (811 ft)
- Borders
- Connecticut, Massachusetts
About Rhode Island
The smallest state by area, Rhode Island still squeezes in enough people to rank second in density, behind only New Jersey. Connecticut lies to the west and Massachusetts to the north and east, with the Atlantic to the south. Most of the land is on the mainland, even though the state is named for an island. Providence is the capital and largest city.
Roger Williams founded Providence in 1636 after fleeing religious persecution in Massachusetts, and his colony became the first North American settlement whose government was openly secular. It drew so many dissenters that it picked up the name Rogues Island. The white flag shows a gold anchor for hope, ringed by thirteen gold stars. A blue ribbon below spells out the motto HOPE in gold.
Did you know?
- Jerimoth Hill is the highest point in Rhode Island, at 811 feet.
- In 1774, Rhode Island became the first colony to ask for a Continental Congress.
- Every census since 1790 has recorded population growth in Rhode Island.
Questions about Rhode Island
What do the 13 stars on the Rhode Island flag mean?
They stand for the original Thirteen Colonies and for Rhode Island's place as the 13th state to approve the Constitution.
When did Rhode Island become a state?
Rhode Island ratified the Constitution on May 29, 1790.
Sources
- Wikidata Q1387, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Rhode Island, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Flag of Rhode Island, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.