Rhode Island State Day, Motto, and Nickname

STATE DAY May 4 STATUS Official DATE OF ADMISSION TO UNITED STATES May 29, 1790 RANKING IN STATE ADMISSION 13th FORMER DESIGNATION Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations HISTORY Rhode Island has a history of independent thinking and behavior that preceded the American Revolution. Rhode Island led the colonies in the fight for independence in 1772 as a result of unpopular trade regulations by the British government. On May 4, 1776, the colony was the first to declare its independence from Great Britain. The May 4th state holiday commemorates this declaration of independence from Great Britain. After considerable political upheaval and two constitutional conventions, Rhode Island ratified the U.S. Constitution on May 29, 1790, becoming the last of the original 13 colonies to do so. MOTTO "Hope" Rhode Island's motto, the shortest of any state, is found on the Rhode Island state flag. No official explanation for its adoption exists. However, a possible source may be the biblical quote, "hope we have as an anchor of the soul," given the large anchor that appears above it on the state coat of arms (also found on the flag). NICKNAMES "The Ocean State"(official), "Little Rhody,"  "Plantation State" Rhode Island's official nickname, "The Ocean State," was coined by the tourism industry and has appeared on state license plates. While small in land area, Rhode Island is very large in historical significance and political stature. "Little Rhody" is an affectionate nickname that has been applied to the diminutive state at various times in its history. "Plantation State" is derived from the state's official name, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. -World Trade Press