“Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” is Rhode Island’s official name. The state was either named for the Greek Island of Rhodes or for its red clay. The Dutch explorer Adriaen Block might have named the state “Rood Eylandt” which means Red Island, in Dutch.
Quick facts about Rhode Island:
- State capital – Providence
- State motto of Rhode Island – “Hope”
- State song – “Rhode Island’s It for Me”
- Nick names – The Ocean State, Little Rhody
- State bird – Rhode Island Red
- State fruit – Rhode Island Greening Apple
- State flower – Violet (Viola sororia)
- State drink – Coffee Milk
- State tree – Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
- State fish – Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis)
Interesting facts about Rhode Island:
Though Rhode Island is the smallest of the 50 American states, it is highly industrialized and is the second most densely populated state.
It is the major center for one of its major industries, jewellery making. Apart from that, textiles, machinery, tourism, electronics and textiles are Rhode Island’s other major industries.
Rhode Island is home to the Redwood Library and Athenaeum in Newport, America’s oldest library building and to the Tennis Hall of Fame.
Some of the famous Rhode Islanders include trumpeter Bobby Hackett; TV newscaster David Hartman; actors Ruth Hussey, James Woods, Anthony Quinn; religious leader Anne Hutchinson; Indian leader King Philip “Metacomet” and clergyman and founder of Rhode Island Roger Williams.
Following are Rhode Island’s tourist attractions that draw visitors from around the world:
Roger Williams Park Zoo
The Breakers
International Tennis Hall of Fame
WaterFire Providence
Marble House
Providence Children’s Museum
Crescent Park Carousel
Rhode Island Beaches
Rhode Island Casinos
If you are a Rhode Islander, let us know what you like and know about Rhode Island by commenting below or by visiting our Facebook and Twitter pages!