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Rhode Island, the smallest U.S. state
(Only 48x37 miles) is nicknamed the "Ocean State" and boasts over 400 miles of
coastline, despite its size.
Unique History & Name: Originally named "State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations," it had the longest state name until it was shortened in 2020.
It was called "Roodt Eylandt" (Red Island) by Dutch explorer Adrian Block for its red clay.
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It was the first colony to declare independence
(May 4, 1776) and features the nation's
shortest state motto: "Hope".
Firsts in America: Rhode Island hosted the first
circus in 1774, played the first polo match in 1876, and held the first National
Lawn Tennis Championship in 1881.
Rhode Island was also the first state to make its
anti-slavery stance official, passing laws as early as 1652.
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Quirky Facts
Coffee milk is the official state beverage, and the state snack is fried calamari.
Providence has the highest number of donut shops per person in the US.
Judge Darius Baker
imposed the first jail sentence for speeding in an automobile on August 28, 1904 in Newport.
