It comes from the names of the colony's two most important original settlements. this sobriquet. Two days ago, Rhode Island's first female governor made the announcement at a news conference. The earliest recorded English colonist text (by Roger Williams) refers to it as "Ilande of the Rodes" (without the "h"). A traditional nickname for Rhode Island, obviously in reference to the state's Rhode Island has started the process of changing its full, official name from “The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations”, due to its connection to slavery. First mentioned by explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524 "isola di Rhode" after Island of Rhodes in the Mediterranean. Rhode Island is the smallest of the 50 states in area. But, the history of how we got this name is often forgotten. The name "Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" was adopted in the Royal Charter granted by King Charles I of England in 1633 (the complete name appears on Rhode Island's state seal; "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations"). He sought a place where one could worship God freely. It, also, has the highest percentage of Liberian immigrants. The Name This state was named by Dutch explorer Adrian Block. Rhode Island. Source | Reference Links | Additional Resources, How Rhode Island Got Its Name: sos.ri.gov. Rhode Island is bordered by Rhode Island was incorporated as The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations when it ratified the Constitution in 1790, but the name dates … Rhode Island possesses some of the most stunning shoreline in New England, but out-of-towners have a hard time pronouncing the names of our beaches. While the preceding is the better documented theory as to how Rhode Island got its name, there are other theories out there. A statewide ballot question asking Rhode Island voters to change the state's name appeared headed for approval Wednesday. harbors allowed New England raw materials and finished goods to be shipped to It has a more citizens of a Portuguese ancestry than any other state. Raimondo announced that she plans on removing the phrase, … Rhode Island possesses some of the most stunning shoreline in New England, but out-of-towners have a hard time pronouncing the names of our beaches. Locals know how to say the words, but many have no idea the true meaning behind these beach names. These We intend to offer a variety of articles intended for a popular audience, but with an eye for accuracy over legend. This was about 20% of all the recorded Rhode's in the USA. Rhode The smallest state in the nation will no longer have the longest name. A corridor of population can be seen from the Providence area, stretching northwest following the Blackstone River to Woonsocket, where 19th-century mills drove industry and development. current standard issue plates feature the light blue wave on white background All State Name Origins The first official reference to the island by the English is in these words "Aquethneck shall be henceforth called the Ile of Rods or Rhod-Island." A statewide ballot question asking Rhode Island voters to change the state's name appeared headed for approval Wednesday. This was about 20% of all the recorded Rhode's in the USA. Sobriquet (pronounced sO-bri-kA or sO-bri-ket) means "descriptive name." Under this theory, the name was altered by 17c.… See definitions of rhode island. populated of the 50 US states behind New Jersey. Rhode Island is the smallest state (just 1,045 square miles), but it has direct access to the expansive Atlantic! Sea) or for its red clay (the Dutch explorer Adriaen Block may have named it "Rood on non-commercial license plates. The Rhode Island Senate unanimously called for a statewide vote on the name change last week after the bill was introduced in part by the state's only Black senator, Harold Metts. Rhode Island name taken from the Greek Island of Rhodes. This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Tillinghast research. Rhode Island was one of the 13 original colonies, first settled by Roger Williams in 1636. Massachusetts to the north and east, Rhode Island's official nickname is "The Ocean State" (the nickname can be seen on Rhode Island license plates and the U.S. Mint's commemorative quarter for the state). The first license plates were issued in 1904, were made of porcelain The official name comes from Aquidneck Island, the large island in Narragansett Bay officially named Rhode Island in 1644, and … Rhode Island was either named for the Isle of Rhodes (in the Mediterranean The colony of Rhode Island was founded between 1636 and 1642 by five separate and combative groups, most of whom had been expelled or left the Massachusetts Bay colony for disputative reasons. began appearing on Rhode Island license plates again in 1972, replacing "Discover." This That’s where Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth are. The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of Rhode Island was 1,059,361 on July 1, 2019, a 0.65% increase since the 2010 United States Census. Sparked by the Nov. 3, 2020 ballot initiative to remove “Providence Plantations” from the state name, the program explored why the phrase is in Rhode Island’s state name; the history of settler colonialism in Rhode Island, and the development of plantations in the state where enslaved people lived and worked; and the meanings the state name now holds for different communities. Source: Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. State Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols Connecticut to the west and USGS topographic map of Rhode Island; public domain image on Wikipedia. Source: Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. State Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut - 1994 (the Spanish explorers originally thought that California was an island) Colorado Name Origin: Colorado's name, has its origin in the Spanish language, as the word for "ruddy"or "red." with dark blue numbers with the official plate nickname "Ocean State.". and it shares a water boundary with New York's He named it "Roodt Eylandt" meaning "red island" in reference to the red clay that lined the shore. All Rhode Islanders live the Atlantic Ocean north to the center of the state. Approximately 534 names of Indian origin were traceable back to the now extinct languages, synthesized from various and sundry sources (listed in the References & Bibliography section). rule. Rhode Island: Smallest State With Largest Name Controversy - Cranston, RI - A renewed call to cut "and Providence Plantations" from the official name reignited whether the name … It was settled in 1636 by folks believed to have … region of the United States. Rhode Island's official name is the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. This year’s Question 1 ballot proposition asked voters whether to amend the state’s constitution to change Rhode Island’s official name from “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” to simply “State of Rhode Island.” Advocates of the amendment say the word “plantations” is irrevocably linked to the country’s legacy of slavery. This sobriquet* for Rhode Island, like the nickname "Little Rhody," He named it "Roodt Eylandt" meaning "red island" in reference to the red clay that lined the shore. The Providence Plantations were the first white settlements in Rhode Island. Look at a map of Rhode Island and you will see what appears to be an Island in Narragansett bay called Aquidneck Island. Though rarely used except in official capacities, Rhode Island's name: "The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" is a point of pride for … All State Nicknames. The state is one of the most densely populated and heavily industrialized for its size. State of Rhode Island USA; image by Concord hioz on Wikipedia (use permitted with attribution / share alike; CC BY-SA 3.0). The name Rhode came to England with the ancestors of the Rhode family in the Norman Conquest of 1066. The colony was first named "Roodt Eylandt" by Dutch trader Adriaen Block (1567–1627), who had explored that area for the Netherlands. ", This name is derived from the state's official name, "State of Rhode New York - 1938 (Reprint), State The Rhode Island Tourism Division promotes over 400 miles of coastline. The name literally means "dweller by the clearing(s)" from the Old English word "rod(u)." Fun Facts. He named it "Roodt Rhode Island's official name includes "Providence Plantations" after the name of a settlement founded in 1636 by Roger Williams that now includes the … State abbreviation/Postal code: R.I./RINickname: The Ocean StateOrigin of name: From the Greek island of RhodesMotto: “Hope”Slogan: \"Unwind\"State symbols:Bird: Rhode Island red hen (1954)Fish: Striped bass (2000)Shell: Quahog (1987)Flower: Violet (1968)Fruit: Rhode Island greening (1991)Tree: Red maple (1964)Mineral: Bowenite (1966)Stone: Cumberlandite (1966)Colors: Blue, white, and gold (in state flag)Drink: Coffee Milk (1993)Song: \"Rhode Island, It's for Me\" (1996) Names, Flags, Seals, Songs, Birds, Flowers and Other Symbols H. H. Wilson Company, As Volume 1 of The Proceedings of the American Antiquarian Society first published in 1880 puts it “the origin of the name of Rhode Island is quite obscure.” The volume goes on to claim that it was possible the name was derived from the Dutch “roode eylandt,” meaning “red island” supposedly due to the red clay that dotted its shores. Claim: The state of Rhode Island is moving to drop the word "Plantation" from its official name. Some Rhode Islanders pride themselves on living in the “smallest state with the longest name”. For the record, the state’s official name is the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. “Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” has been the official full name of the state since the colonial era, created by the unification of the original “four towns,” which in order of their dates of founding were Providence (1636), Pocasset/Portsmouth (1638), Newport (1639), and Shawomet/Warwick (1642). This state was named by Dutch explorer Adrian Block. Rhode Island has the longest official name of any state. The name literally means "dweller by the clearing(s)" from the Old English word "rod(u)." Raimondo announced that she plans on removing the phrase, … The claim: Rhode Island changed its name to remove a racially insensitive phrase Rhode Island Gov. The smallest state of the union, Rhode Island, also has the longest official name of any of the states: "State of Rhode Island". Rhody," and "Little Rhode. He sought a place where one could worship God freely. Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut - 1994, Adopted July 8, 1971 The state of Rhode Island first started licensing vehicles Ok so good question. President-elect Joe Biden, whose election President Trump disputes, has named a Rhode Island native as a senior adviser. The Rhode family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. For a state that is only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long, it is notable that its shoreline on Narragansett Bay in the Atlantic Ocean runs for 400 miles. This complex system currently possesses about 5,665 names of "features" wholly or partially in Rhode Island. goods from other parts of the United States and foreign countries to be delivered Rhode Island's official name is the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. in 1904. The name was later anglicized when the region came under British rule. In 1840 there were 8 Rhode families living in Mississippi. Rhode Island Our state’s official name is The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Its official name is the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Early History of the Tillinghast family. of the New England states with harbors suitable for ocean-going ships. Gov. Eylandt" meaning "red island" in reference to the red clay that The most Rhode families were found in the USA in 1880. The name "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" can be traced back to the Royal Charter of 1663, granted to the Rhode Island colonists by King Charles II of England. is not all ocean frontage but includes Narragansett Bay extending inland from Our state’s official name is The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Rhode Island’s governor will no longer use the state’s official name because of racism. In 1840 there were 8 Rhode families living in Mississippi. Representation of the state seal at Rhode Island State House; photo by Martin Kalfatovic on Flickr (noncommercial use permitted with attribution / share alike). of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Rhode Islander - Official (recommended by US GPO), Rhodean - Official, unofficial or informal alternates, Swamp Yankee - Official, unofficial or informal alternates. The "Providence Plantations" in the state's official name comes from the settlement founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, which now includes the state's capital, Providence, according to … The name was later anglicized when the region came under British rule. Variations small size. The smallest U.S. state has the longest name, and it's not sitting well for some in the George Floyd era. is in reference to Rhode Island's size. "Ocean State" Rhodes Name Meaning English (chiefly Yorkshire): topographic name for someone who lived in a clearing in woodland (see Rode 3). Source: Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. State Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols Connecticut Name Origin : Connecticut's name is a particular reference to the Connecticut River. Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut - 1994 Shankle, George Earlie, Phd State lined the shore. Official State Nickname of Rhode Island. Providence Plantations was founded in 1636 by the English clergyman Roger Williams. The earliest recorded English colonist text (by Roger Williams) refers to it as "Ilande of the Rodes" (without the "h"). The origin of the state's name is not agreed upon. Some believe it dates to early descriptions from explorer Giovanni da … “Whatever the meaning of the term ‘plantations’ in the context of Rhode Island’s history, it carries a horrific connotation when considering the tragic and racist history of our nation,” Rhode Island’s sole Black senator, Harold Metts, said in a statement to the Providence Journal. Early Rhode Island: A Social History … Long Island to the southwest. Another 67 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1628, 1575, 1664, 1604, 1655, 1634, 1687, 1659, 1685, 1664, 1689, 1706, 1622, 1718, 1678 and 1721 are included under the topic Early Tillinghast History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. All State Name Origins. The Rhode family lived in Lincolnshire at Rhoades, but more often than not, the name originates in the West Riding of Yorkshire. and featured black and white numbers with "Registered in RI. The tiny state of Rhode Island announced that because some people are too stupid and too dense to understand that some words have several meanings, they will move to change the official name … Some believe it dates to early descriptions from explorer Giovanni da … The name Rhode came to England with the ancestors of the Rhode family in the Norman Conquest of 1066. But, the history of how we got this name is often forgotten. This state was named by Dutch explorer Adrian Block. The colony of Rhode Island was founded between 1636 and 1642 by five separate and combative groups, most of whom had been expelled or left the Massachusetts Bay colony for disputative reasons. But if Rhode Island, also known as “The State of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations,” had one claim to fame to lord over its snobby New England border states, it was that it was the smallest state with the longest name. Roger Williams, who founded Providence Plantation in 1636, is the source of Of this population, the author counted about 187 names that are, or believed to be, of American Indian origin (primarily the Narragansett language, with contributions from the Niantic dialect and Nipmuck). The addition of “and Providence Plantations” happened in 1644 after the colonial merger of Providence, Portsmouth, Newport, and Warwick. Rhode Island’s governor will no longer use the state’s official name because of racism. Rhode Island name taken from the Greek Island of Rhodes. to New England. This nickname was formulated to attract tourism to Rhode Island and appears Eylandt" meaning Red Island, in Dutch). The first official reference to the island by the English is in these words "Aquethneck shall be henceforth called the Ile of Rods or Rhod-Island." PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS, RHODE ISLAND ANDPROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS, RHODE ISLAND AND. other parts of the United State and foreign countries and allowed raw and finished Under this theory, the name was altered by 17c.… See definitions of rhode island. In 1643/1644, the towns were combined under their current name […] Gov. Rhode Island and the Union (1969). The name was later anglicized when the region came under British Jun 26, 2012 - What does "Rhode Island" mean? Two days ago, Rhode Island's first female governor made the announcement at a news conference. The colony was first named "Roodt Eylandt" by Dutch trader Adriaen Block (1567–1627), who had explored that area for the Netherlands. In 1776, Rhode Island was the first of the colonies to renounce its allegiance to the British Crown. of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, is a state in the New England "The Some Rhode Islanders pride themselves on living in the “smallest state with the longest name”. Official Name: State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Entered Union: May 29, 1790 (13th State) Present constitution adopted: 1843. The origin of the name 'Rhode Island' itself is obscure, and historians are divided on the subject. Island, officially the State The center of population of Rhode Island is located in Providence County, in the city of Cranston. The Rhode family lived in Lincolnshire at Rhoades, but more often than not, the name originates in the West Riding of Yorkshire. Rhode Island governor Gina Raimondo has signed an executive order announcing the state would move forward with changing its official name due to its ties to American slavery.. Rhode Island. “Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” has been the official full name of the state since the colonial era, created by the unification of the original “four towns,” which in order of their dates of founding were Providence (1636), Pocasset/Portsmouth … Rhode Island, is an island. RHODE ISLAND Meaning: "red island," so called for the color of its cliffs. This number is a better estimate of the Native American contributions to the historical and geographical landscape of Rhode Island. Distinctive Baby Names from Rhode Island Rhode Island is a true melting pot. Locals know how to say the words, but many have no idea the true meaning behind these beach names. The Online Review of Rhode Island History has been formed to promote the state's wonderful history. Advertisement. Preston, Howard W. Rhode Island and the Sea (1932). Rhode Island . is the smallest in area, the eighth least populous, but the second most densely Island and Providence Plantations.". The origin of the name 'Rhode Island' itself is obscure, and historians are divided on the subject. The name means 'red island' and it refers to the red clay … This, the most common form of the name, has been influenced in spelling by the English name of the Greek island of Rhodes (Greek Rhodos), with which there is … The addition of “and Providence Plantations” happened in 1644 after the colonial merger of Providence, Portsmouth, Newport, and Warwick. RHODE ISLAND Meaning: "red island," so called for the color of its cliffs. Claim: The state of Rhode Island is moving to drop the word "Plantation" from its official name. This historical nickname was bestowed because Rhode Island was the most southerly The clergyman Roger Williams, banished by the General Court of Massachusetts Bay for propagating "new and dangerous opinions," founded the Providence Plantations in June 1636. The first mention of Rhode Island in writing ("isola di Rhode") was made by explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524 (he refers to an island near the mouth of Narragansett Bay which he compares to the Island of Rhodes in the Mediterranean). The Rhode family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Rhode families were found in the USA in 1880. within a 30-minute drive to the Atlantic Ocean or Narragansett Bay. In the 18th Century, Rhode Island became the leading American colony in the African slave trade, including members of the Brown family, who gave Brown University its name. We hope to make the state’s history interesting and fun, and eventually create an impressive archive of articles for both readers and researchers. Santoro, Carmela E. The Italians in Rhode Island: The Age of Exploration to the Present, 1524–1989 (Rhode Island Heritage Commission, 1990), Weeden, William B. 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