Rhode Island flag

Rhode Island might be the smallest state in the country, but it still has its own official flag. It consists of a gold-colored anchor encircled by a ring of stars. Below the anchor is the word “HOPE.” The flag of Rhode Island features a simple design that’s become synonymous with the coastal state. Even if you’ve seen the flag of Rhode Island, though, you may not know its history. This post explores the history of the flag of Rhode Island and what it symbolizes.

Origins of the Flag of The Rhode Island

The flag of Rhode Island was officially adopted in the late 1900s. In 1897, Rhode Island lawmakers passed legislation declaring the aforementioned design as the state’s official flag. The legislation specifically states the following: “The flag of the state shall be white, five feet and six inches, fly and four feet and ten inches, deep on the pike, bearing on each side in the center a gold anchor, twenty-two inches, high, and underneath it a blue ribbon twenty-four inches long and five inches wide.”

Before the flag of Rhode Island was officially adopted, though, the state had its own seal. Most states have an official seal, and Rhode Island is no exception. Rhode Island’s seal has remained unchanged for many years. Long before the flag of Rhode Island was adopted, it had a seal consisting of an anchor with the word “HOPE” below.

What Does the Flag of Rhode Island Symbolize?

The gold-colored anchor depicted in the flag of Rhode Island symbolizes hope, which is reinforced by the word “HOPE” found directly below it. You may notice the flag of Rhode Island also has 13 stars. Like with the 13 stripes depicted in the American flag, the 13 stars depicted in the flag of Rhode Island symbolize the original 13 colonies. More importantly perhaps, Rhode Island was the 13th state to sign the Constitution. Therefore, the official flag of Rhode Island features a ring of 13 stars that wrap around the gold-colored anchor.

What Is the Flag of the Governor of Rhode Island?

There’s also the flag of the Governor of Rhode Island. It doesn’t feature the same design as the official flag of Rhode Island. Rather, the flag of the Governor of Rhode Island features a gold fringed-anchor in the center with four stars in the corners. At the top of the flag of the Governor of Rhode Island is the phrase “STATE of RHODE ISLAND.”

Rhode Island has a simple yet attractive flag that’s synonymous with the small coastal state. It features a gold anchor surrounded by 13 gold stars. Whether you live in Rhode Island, or if you simply appreciate this design, you may want to display the Rhode Island flag. You can display it in your home, business or elsewhere. Below are five facts about the Rhode Island flag, some of which may surprise you.

#1) One of the Oldest State Flag Designs

The Rhode Island flag has one of the oldest designs of all state flags. Its origins can be traced back to the 1600s. In the mid-1600s, the anchor was used on the Rhode Island seal. This paved the way for the modern-day Rhode Island flag. Regardless, the Rhode Island flag has one of the oldest designs of all state flags.

#2) Adopted in 1897

While the Rhode Island flag’s design can be traced back to the 1600s, the flag itself wasn’t officially adopted in 1897. There were other, “unofficial” versions of the Rhode Island prior to this period. One of these alternative versions featured a slightly different design consisting of a blue anchor surrounded by dozens of smaller blue stars.

#3) The Stars Represent the Original Colonies and the Constitution Ratification

The stars on the Rhode Island flag represent the original colonies as well as Rhode Island’s position as the 13th state to ratify the Constitution. There are 13 gold stars on the Rhode Island flag. As you may know, there were also 13 original colonies. The Rhode Island flag features 13 stars to symbolize the original 13 colonies as well as Rhode Island’s position as the 13th state to ratify the Constitution.

#4) Inspired By a Bible Verse

Why does Rhode Island feature an anchor and the word “Hope” directly below exactly? These design elements can be attributed to the bible verse: “hope we have as an anchor of the soul.” Rhode Island was a religious state during the colonial period. Many settlers can to Rhode Island from Massachusetts for religious freedom.

#5) Available With Gold Fringe

You may notice that some government buildings in Rhode Island display the state flag with gold fringe. Gold fringe is commonly found on the edges of the Rhode Island flag. The legislation governing the Rhode Island flag, in fact, states “The flag shall be edged with yellow fringe.” Nonetheless, you can find the Rhode Island flag with and without gold fringe.

• What is the pledge to the Rhode Island flag?
• When was the Rhode Island state flag adopted?
• What does the design on the Rhode Island flag represent?
• Where could I purchase a Rhode Island state flag?
• How are you supposed to fly your Rhode Island flag along with an American flag?

What is the pledge to the Rhode Island flag?

The pledge to the flag of Rhode Island is, “I pledge allegiance to our State Flag, and to the Republic of which Rhode Island forms a part; one Union inseparable, with honor and reverence for both State and Nation.

When was the Rhode Island state flag adopted?

There were several different Rhode Island flags flown prior to the present flag, but the present flag of the State of Rhode Island was formally adopted in 1897. It includes some of the Seal of Rhode Island. The Seal of Rhode Island with the word “Hope” on it was adopted by the Rhode Island General Assembly in May 1664.

What does the design on the Rhode Island flag represent?

The Rhode Island state flag contains some of the design on the Seal of Rhode Island. The gold anchor is a symbol of hope and is taken from the Holy Bible scripture from Hebrews 6:19. The scripture states: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul…..”. The thirteen stars surrounding the anchor represent the original thirteen colonies that have declared independence from British rule and formed the United States. Rhode Island is the 13th of the original 13 colonies. The word “HOPE” below the anchor is the motto of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Where could I purchase a Rhode Island state flag?

If you would like to purchase a Rhode Island Flag, go to Star Spangled Flags. Their flags are beautiful! The colors are bright and bold and they are made from only materials made in the USA! They are durable and protected from the sun, and they use strong stitching that keeps the flags from unraveling and fraying. They also provide free shipping! You can buy one here on their website.

How are you supposed to fly your Rhode Island flag along with an American flag?

When flying the Rhode Island and American flag on the same pole, the flag of the United States must always be at the top and the Rhode Island flag should be the same size or smaller. When It is flown on separate poles, the Rhode Island flag will be to the right of the flag of the United States situating the U.S. flag in the position of honor, which is to the observer’s left of the other flags. Please remember when flying your flag after dark to be sure to illuminate it.