Rhode Island State Flag History Today

By Noel Garson


Rhode Island, measuring only about 48 miles long and 37 miles wide, is the smallest of the U.S. states. Despite its small area, Rhode Island, known as the "Ocean State," boasts over 400 miles of coastline. Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams in 1636, who had been banished from the Massachusetts colony for his advocacy of religious tolerance and the separation of church and state.

Rhode Island's rebellious, authority-defying nature was further demonstrated by the burnings of the British revenue cutters Liberty and Gaspee prior to the Revolution; by its early declaration of independence from Great Britain in May 1776; by its refusal to participate actively in the War of 1812; and by Dorr's Rebellion of 1842, which protested property requirements for voting.

The most prominent feature of the flag, the anchor, dates back to 1647 and the Cromwellian Patent of 1643 when the Providence Plantations were established. Later, when a more liberal charter was bestowed upon the colony, the anchor was again chosen for the seal and the word "HOPE" was added.

Rhode Island’s first nonmilitary state flag was adopted on March 30, 1877. Its white background corresponded to the facings on state militia uniforms worn during the Revolution. The flag’s anchor and motto were represented in Rococo style and encircled by blue stars corresponding to the number of states in the Union.

The white and blue colors were taken from flags carried into battle by Rhode Island soldiers during the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Mexican War. The 13 stars surrounding the anchor represent the 13 original colonies that united to form the union of the United States. The anchor has been linked as a symbol with Rhode Island since the state's foundation and it has been used with the state motto 'Hope' since 1644.

There is a barrage of cheap and inferior Rhode Island flags being imported and sold, that do not comply with the flag statute. This is bad for a number of reasons. Imported flags are cheaply made and more importantly, the designs, materials, colors, and methods of printing do not compare well with the better quality, longer-lasting, and correctly designed flags made by American manufacturers. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flag designs offered a special edition of decals and flags to memorize the history of Rhode Island flag for the future.




About the Author: