U.S. state · RI
Flag of Rhode Island
The Rhode Island flag shows a gold anchor on a white field, circled by 13 gold stars, with a blue ribbon reading HOPE beneath. Adopted in 1897, it is close to square, with an official ratio of 29:33.
What the Rhode Island state flag looks like
The state flag of Rhode Island has a white field. In the center is a large gold anchor. Around the anchor is a ring of 13 gold stars. Beneath the anchor a blue ribbon carries the single word HOPE in gold capital letters.
The flag is almost square. Its ratio is about 1.14:1, much closer to a square than the usual 2:3. The only colors are white, gold and blue, which makes the design bold and easy to recognize.
Rhode Island flag meaning and symbolism
The anchor is the state's main symbol and has been used on Rhode Island's seal since the 17th century. It is commonly read as a sign of hope, and the word HOPE on the ribbon is the state's one-word motto.
The 13 stars represent the original thirteen colonies and Rhode Island's status as the 13th state to ratify the Constitution. The anchor and the word "hope" were likely inspired by the biblical phrase "hope we have as an anchor of the soul."
The blue ribbon is the only blue on the flag, and the gold is used for the anchor, the stars and the lettering, so the design reads clearly even on a small flag.
History of the Rhode Island flag
Rhode Island's first official flag was adopted on March 30, 1877: a white field with a red shield, a blue anchor and 38 blue stars. A second flag followed on February 1, 1882, with a gold anchor and 13 gold stars on a blue field. The present design, with a white field, was adopted on November 1, 1897.
The anchor and the word "hope" appeared on the Rhode Island seal as early as the 1640s.
See how it compares with neighbors such as Connecticut and Massachusetts on the U.S. state flags page, or read about the flag of the United States.
Rhode Island flag colors
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0, 22, 100, 0Rhode Island flag facts
| Adopted | November 1, 1897 |
|---|---|
| Proportions | 22:25 |
| Symbols | five-pointed star, anchor |
| State capital | Providence |
| State motto | Hope |
| Population | 1,097,379 |
Rhode Island state flag FAQ
Why does the Rhode Island flag say HOPE?
Hope is the state's one-word motto, shown on the ribbon below the anchor. The anchor is a traditional symbol of hope and also of the sea.
Why are there 13 stars on the Rhode Island flag?
The 13 stars represent the thirteen original colonies, of which Rhode Island was one.
Is the Rhode Island flag a square?
Almost. The official size is 29:33, about 1.14 to 1, so it is nearly square, although many flags are made in 3:5 or 2:3.
What is Rhode Island's one word motto?
The motto is Hope. It appears on the ribbon on the flag and on the state seal.
Which state has the oldest flag?
Rhode Island's anchor and "hope" appeared on its seal as early as the 1640s, but the present flag was adopted on November 1, 1897.
What did the old Rhode Island flag look like?
Rhode Island had two earlier official flags. The 1877 flag had a white field with a red shield, a blue anchor and 38 blue stars. The 1882 flag showed a gold anchor and 13 gold stars on a blue field. The present white design replaced them on November 1, 1897.
What does the Rhode Island flag look like?
It is almost square, with a white field and a large gold anchor in the center. Thirteen gold stars form a ring around the anchor, and a blue ribbon with the gold word HOPE runs beneath it. Gold fringe is shown on many flags but is not part of the design itself.
