RHODE ISLAND

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

ORIGIN OF STATE NAME: Named for Rhode Island in Narragansett Bay, which was likened to the isle of Rhodes in the Mediterranean Sea. NICKNAME: The Ocean State; also, Little Rhody. CAPITAL: Providence.ENTERED UNION: 29 May 1790 (13th). SONG: "Rhode Island." MOTTO: Hope. COAT OF ARMS: A golden anchor on a blue field. FLAG: In the center of a white field is a golden anchor and beneath it is a blue ribbon with the state motto in gold letters, all surrounded by a circle of 13 gold stars. OFFICIAL SEAL: The anchor of the arms is surrounded by four scrolls, the topmost bearing the state motto: the words "Seal of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 1636" encircle the whole. ANIMAL: Quahaug. BIRD: Rhode Island Red. FLOWER: Violet. TREE: Red maple. MINERAL: Bowenite. ROCK: Cumberlandite. LEGALHOLIDAYS: New Year's Day, 1 January; Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., 3rd Monday in January; Washington's Birthday, 3rd Monday in February; Memorial Day, last Monday in May; Independence Day, 4 July; Victory Day, 2nd Monday in August; Labor Day, 1st Monday in September; Columbus Day, 2nd Monday in October; Election Day, 1st Tuesday after 1st Monday in November, in even-numbered years; Veterans Day, 11 November; Thanksgiving Day, 4th Thursday in November; Christmas Day, 25 December. TIME: 7 AM EST = noon GMT.