Rhode Island became the 13th state in 1790 and is the 44th largest state by population with about 1 million residents. It is also the 50th largest state by land and water area with a total area of 1,545 square miles. Providence, the state's capital city, is Rhode Island's largest city with a population of approximately 170,000 people.
Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, named the spot where he landed "Providence", after a phrase that said "God's merciful providence."
Included below are more facts and symbols, a state map, the state song and views of the Rhode Island State Quarter.
Rhode Island State Capital - Providence
State Motto - "Hope"
State Flower - The Violet
State Tree - Red Maple
State Bird - Rhode Island Red
State Fish - Striped Bass
State Mineral - Bowenite
State Rock or Stone - Cumberlandite
State Shell - Quahog
State Fruit - Greening Apple
Official State Web Site - www.ri.gov
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Rhode Island State Song
Lyrics by Charlie Hall
Music by Maria Day
Arranged by Kathryn Chester
I've been to every state we have
and I think that I'm inclined to say
that Rhody stole my heart
You can keep the forty nine
Herring gulls that dot the sky,
blue waves that paint the rocks,
waters rich with Neptune's life,
the boats that line the docks,
I see the lighthouse flickering
to help the sailors see.
There's a place for everyone:
Rhode Island's it for me.
Rhode Island, oh, Rhode Island
surrounded by the sea.
Some people roam the earth for home;
Rhode Island's it for me.
I love the fresh October days,
the buzz on College Hill,
art that moves an eye to tear,
a jeweler's special skill.
Icicles refract the sun,
snow falling gracefully.
Some search for a place that's warm:
Rhode Island's it for me.
Rhode Island, oh, Rhode Island
surrounded by the sea.
Some people roam the earth for home;
Rhode Island's it for me.
The skyline piercing Providence,
the State House dome so rare,
residents who speak their minds;
No longer unaware!
Roger Williams would be proud to see
his "colony"
so don't sell short this precious port:
Rhode Island's it for me.
Rhode Island, oh, Rhode Island
surrounded by the sea.
Some people roam the earth for home;
Rhode Island's it for me.
Rhode Island, oh, Rhode Island
surrounded by the sea.
Some people roam the earth for home:
Rhode Island's it for me!
United States Mint 50 State Quarters© Program coin:
(United States Mint Images)
US State Facts © MCGWDD