Rhode Island State Flags

The Rhode Island flag serves as a symbol of honor, heritage and regional pride and is displayed at state buildings. There is a strict Order of Precedence for flags. State Flags are displayed in order as they entered the Union. The colors were flown during the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Mexican American War.

What is the Design of the Rhode Island State Flag?

The flag of the state of Rhode Island is white and consists of a gold anchor in the center (a symbol for hope) surrounded by thirteen gold stars (for the original 13 colonies and Rhode Island's status as the 13th state to ratify the Constitution). A blue ribbon below the anchor bears the state's motto in gold: "HOPE." The flag is frequently depicted with golden fringe around the edges of the flag.

When was the Rhode Island Flag Officially Adopted?

The Rhode Island General Assembly first adopted a seal for the colony in 1664 which contained an anchor with the word "Hope" above it (Rhode Island's state seal). The use of the word "Hope" was probably inspired by the biblical phrase "hope we have as an anchor of the soul."

On February 1, 1882, that flag was replaced by a simpler design - a blue field with a yellow anchor surrounded by a ring of 13 yellow stars, corresponding to the rank of the state among those ratifying the U.S. Constitution. On May 19, 1897, the current flag was substituted.

What do the Symbols on the Rhode Island Flag Represent?

The colors, white and blue, are the same as those used in the flags carried by the regiments of the State of Rhode Island during the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Mexican War. The stars which represent the thirteen original states were also used on flags of the Continental Regiments from Rhode Island during the Revolution. The anchor has been connected with Rhode Island since its foundation.

The colors and design of the Rhode Island state flag date back to colonial times and the original establishment of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations under King Charles II of England. The anchor, dates back to 1647 and the Cromwellian Patent of 1643 when the Providence Plantations were established. The gold anchor is a symbol of hope, and it also reflects the massive role that the ocean plays in the state's geography.

"Hope" is the state's motto, and it most likely began as a quotation from the Bible that reflected the early colonists' optimism about their future in America.

Displaying the Rhode Island State Flag?

The Rhode Island flag is kept and used as required by the code specified in the constitution of the state.

It may be flown every day in the 13th state when weather permits.

It may be flown from sunrise until sunset. If it is displayed outdoors in the "Ocean State", it should be flown from a flagpole.

The Rhode Island flag may be flown at night when properly lighted.

The flagpole must be at least two and one-half times as long as the Rhode Island flag.

What is the Pledge of Allegiance and Salute?

The Pledge of Allegiance is as follows:

"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"