Flag of Rhode Island

State of Rhode Island
UseCivil and state flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagSmall vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagReverse side is mirror image of obverse side
Proportion29:33
AdoptedNovember 1, 1897 (1897-11-01)
DesignA gold anchor, surrounded by 13 gold stars, on a field of white. A blue ribbon below the anchor contains the text "hope"; Argent an anchor above a ribbon Azure with the word Hope, all surrounded by thirteen mullets.
Fringed Design
UseCivil and state flag
Proportion29:33

The flag of the U.S. 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 Thirteen 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, although the fringe is never actually on the flag unless it is used in federal-level displays, much like the national flag.

History

Pre-Flag

As early as the 1640s, the anchor and "hope" were found on the Rhode Island seal, and the seal's words and emblems were likely inspired by the biblical phrase "hope we have as an anchor of the soul," found in Hebrews, Verse 6:18-19.[1] Rhode Island's earliest colonists were fleeing persecution in Massachusetts due to their religious beliefs. Rhode Island would officially adopt its first state flag in 1877, which would be used.

Evolution of Flag

The Rhode Island state flag as depicted in the 1976 bicentennial postage stamp series.

The present flag of the state of Rhode Island was formally adopted on March 30th, 1877, with a white background, hoisting the anchor in between a bordered with a red rococo framework encircled by a ring of 38 blue stars, however this design on February 1st, 1882, this first state flag would be replaced by 13 gold stars encircling an anchor on a blue background, the thirteen stars representing its position as the thirteenth state in the United States.[2]

This second design would later be revised in 1897, following the Rhode Island General Assembly January Session of 1897, to have a white background on with an 29:33 proportion rate, and add a blue ribbon containing the word "hope," seeing the present design be drafted.[2] The revised design would not be adopted until November 1st, 1897.

Statute

The state of Rhode Island enacted legislation making this the official flag:

§ 42-4-3 State flag. – The flag of the state shall be white, five feet and six inches (5'6") fly and four feet and ten inches (4'10") deep on the pike, bearing on each side in the center a gold anchor, twenty-two inches (22") high, and underneath it a blue ribbon twenty-four inches (24") long and five inches (5") wide, or in these proportions, with the motto "Hope" in golden letters thereon, the whole surrounded by thirteen (13) golden stars in a circle. The flag shall be edged with yellow fringe. The pike shall be surmounted by a spearhead and the length of the pike shall be nine feet (9'), not including the spearhead.[3]

Historical flags of Rhode Island
  • The flag of Rhode Island from 1877 to 1882.
    The flag of Rhode Island from 1877 to 1882.Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag
  • The flag of Rhode Island from 1882 to 1897.
    The flag of Rhode Island from 1882 to 1897. Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag
  • Flag used since 1897.
    Flag used since 1897. Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag
Flags associated with Rhode Island

Other flags

The Rhode Island Regimental Flag

Another commonly flown flag is the flag of the Rhode Island Regiment. Many houses throughout the state display the flag alongside the current flag, or in lieu of the state flag. The flag can also be seen flying at home football games of the University of Rhode Island Rams.

Flag of the governor

See also: Flags of governors of the U.S. states
Standard of the governor of Rhode Island

The flag of the governor of Rhode Island is based on an earlier state flag. Like most U.S. governors' flags, there are four five-point stars at the corners of the field.

Misattributed designs

The State of Rhode Island, while only having one official design, has had other designs, with multiple designs existing, hoisting different designs in the anchor, adding a blue-trim to the gold, and more misattributed designs.[8]

Image Description
A gold anchor, surrounded by 13 gold stars, with the stars and anchor containing a blue trim on a field of white. A blue ribbon with a golden trim is displayed below the anchor contains the text "hope"; Argent an anchor above a ribbon Azure with the word ''Hope'', all surrounded by thirteen mullets. This design has been branded by marketers as meeting the official specifications of the State of Rhode Island, however is commonly printed in a 3:5 canvas than the official 29:33 proportion ratio.[9]
A 3D-design gold anchor surrounded by 13 gold stars with thin blue trims, with a high definition blue ribbon with a golden trim is displayed below the anchor contains the text "hope". This misattributed design is marked as the official flag of Rhode Island by Encyclopædia Britannica, with many using this design for the official flag than the official design.[10]

See also

References

  1. ^ Howard M. Chapin notes published in "Illustrations Of The Seals, Arms And Flags Of Rhode Island," (Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence: 1930) pg 4-5.
  2. ^ a b "Rhode Island (U.S.)". www.crwflags.com. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  3. ^ Rhode Island State Laws: § 42-4-3 State flag (accessed January 5, 2009)
  4. ^ "Historical Flags of Our Ancestors - Flags of the American Revolution Era". Pete's Gateway. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  5. ^ David B. Martucci. "The New England Flag". midcoast.com. Archived from the original on April 1, 2007. Retrieved 2008-07-25.
  6. ^ "Historical Flags of Our Ancestors - Flags of the Early North American Colonies and Explorers". Pete's Gateway. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
  7. ^ "New England flags (U.S.)". CRW Flags. Retrieved 2008-11-07.
  8. ^ Howard, Samuel Gifford (2021-10-29). "Friday Flagging: RI's Yellow "Border" and Wikipedia's Influence on Civic Design". Rhode Island Liberator. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  9. ^ "Rhode Island State Flag | Nylon or Poly". Liberty Flagpoles. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  10. ^ "Rhode Island | Map, Population, History, Beaches, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 2025-08-21. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
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