The Flag of Rhode Island: History, Meaning, and Symbolism

What do you think of when you think of a flag? Most people probably think they’re little more than a colorful piece of fabric. But that’s not actually true, as flags are much, much more. Flags are symbols, they are symbols of places, of people, and even of history. In fact, many of the state flags in the United States represent the origins of the state. The same is true for the flag of Rhode Island. Here we’ll learn about the history of the flag and what it means. We’ll also learn about the former state flags and a brief history of the state itself. Let’s get started!

A Brief History of Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the smallest US state. The state takes its name from Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay, which is commonly known as Rhode Island. Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams who fled Massachusetts because of religious persecution. He purchased land from local tribes and formed Providence – which would later become the state capital – in 1636, leading to the formation of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. The area was established as a haven for those seeking liberty and was often called “Rogue’s Island” instead.

Although the Colony of Rhode Island existed until the region joined the Union in 1776 to become a US state, it was not plain sailing. Rhode Island was a British colony and was subsequently one of the thirteen that sought independence from Britain – along with Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Rhode Island was one of the leading forces during the American Revolutionary War. It was eventually the first of the thirteen colonies to declare independence from Britain on May 4, 1776. This was two months before the formal US Declaration of Independence was announced. However, even after declaring independence, the troops of Rhode Island were still embroiled in many battles with the British during the war.

After gaining statehood, Rhode Island officially became the State of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations, but was more commonly known as simply “Rhode Island”. Eventually, its name was officially changed in 2020.

History and Symbolism of the Flag of Rhode Island

The current flag of Rhode Island was adopted in 1897, replacing the previous version. It consists of a white field with a gold anchor in the center. Beneath the anchor is a blue ribbon bearing the word “hope”, while surrounding both the anchor and the ribbon are thirteen gold stars. The thirteen gold stars represent Rhode Island as one of the thirteen original US states.

Both the anchor and the text are featured on the state seal, although the anchor has been a symbol of Rhode Island since its early days as a colony in the 1640s. For a long time, an anchor has been seen as a symbol of hope. As the purpose of an anchor is to stabilize the ship and hold it in place in the water the anchor represents safety and stability. Many sailors believe that it represents a safe refuge from storms. However, it can also be used as a symbol of hope for calm seas.

“Hope” is the Rhode Island state motto. It has been in use on the state seal since it was first designed in 1644. The use of “hope” and the anchor as state symbols are inspired by a biblical phrase – “hope we have as an anchor of the soul”, which is from Hebrews 6:18-19.

Previous Flags of Rhode Island

Although Rhode Island officially became a state in 1776, it did not have a state flag until 1877. Rhode Island has two former state flags and they both featured the anchor on them. The first state flag had a white background with a blue anchor in the center. A red shield surrounded the anchor, with the state motto at the top. Surrounding both were 38 blue stars to represent the number of states in the Union at the time that the flag was designed.

The second state flag replaced the first in 1882 and had a much simpler design. This flag consisted of a dark blue field with a golden anchor in the middle. It had thirteen gold stars surrounding it – representing Rhode Island’s position as one of the original thirteen states. This flag remained in use until 1897 when it was replaced with the current design.

Rhode Island Regimental Flag

Although Rhode Island only has one official state flag, there is another flag that is often flown alongside it and even sometimes in place of it – the Rhode Island Regimental Flag. This flag has a white field and features a blue anchor and ribbon. It also has a dark blue field with thirteen gold stars in the canton.

The flag was carried by the Rhode Island troops who fought in the American Revolutionary War. The white field represents the uniforms of the Rhode Island troops, while the canton symbolizes unity and hope.

Up Next

• Every Flag in the World: Photos, History, and More
• The Flag of Delaware: History, Meaning, and Symbolism
• The Flag of Massachusetts: History, Meaning, and Symbolism

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/rarrarorro