Rhode Island is the smallest among the United States, spanning an area of 1,045 sq mi and water area of 500 sq mi. It acquired statehood on May 29, 1790. Rhode Island is the 13
th state of the 50 United States of America. The name's origin is disputed; some claim it comes from the Mediterranean island of Rhodes while others say it derives from the Dutch words Roodt Eylandt, meaning Red Island. Rhode Island is nicknamed The Ocean State. Rhode Island is nicknamed the Ocean State to promote recreation and tourism along its coasts.
Economy of Rhode Island
Personal income per Capita - $21,688 (Recent census - 1999)
Agriculture - Nursery Stock, Vegetables, Dairy Products, Eggs.
Industry - Fashion Jewelry, Fabricated Metal Products, Electric Equipment, Machinery, Shipbuilding and Boatbuilding, Tourism.
History of Rhode Island
In May of 1776, Rhode Island became the first colony to declare its independence from Great Britain. However in fear of the larger states, Rhode Island was the last of the original thirteen colonies to become a state on May 29, 1790. Tourism increased with construction of new roads and bridges in Rhode Island. In 1969, the Newport Bridge was completed, linking Newport with Jamestown. That same year, Highway 95 connected Rhode Island to Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Recently, Rhode Island has received many military contracts to develop submarines and submarine weapons for the government. Tourism has also continued to grow. However, many industries are threatened by foreign competition and most of the state’s textile mills have closed.
Placed on a white field is a circle of thirteen gold stars representing the first thirteen states. The stars surround a gold ship's anchor. The states motto " Hope" is on a blue ribbon below the anchor.
Famous people of Rhode Island
George Michael Cohan (1878-1942) Composer and actor who is called the father of U.S. musical comedy, was born in Providence.
Julia Ward Howe (1819-1910) Reformer, writer, and poet who wrote the words to “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”. He lived in Portsmouth and Newport.
Napoleon (Larry) Lajoie (1874-1959) Baseball player elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937.He was born in Woonsocket.
Bobby (Robert Leo) Hackett (1915-1976) Jazz trumpeter, was born and raised in Providence.
Roger Williams (1604-1683) He was a Puritan leader and the founder of Rhode Island.
Interesting Facts about Rhode Island
- The Touro Synagogue in Newport was completed in 1763 and is the oldest synagogue in the United States.
- Rhode Island was the last of the original thirteen colonies to become a state.
- The first circus in the United States was in Newport in 1774.
- Portsmouth is home to the oldest schoolhouse in the United States. The school was built in 1716.
- Rhode Island was the last of the original thirteen colonies to become a state.