Rhode Island: The Ocean State

Rhode Island: The Ocean State — page 1
4 RHODE ISLAND INTRODUCTION You may need to squint to see Rhode Island on a map but it is not difficult to see that this state is brimming with industry history and culture Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States covering only 1,213 square miles In fact Rhode Island could fit into the state of Texas 200 times Although Rhode Island is small in size it is nevertheless an important industrial state Rhode Island is one of the New England states along with Maine New Hampshire Vermont Massachusetts and Connecticut It is graced by a beautiful shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean When the state’s bays and islands are included the coastline measures more than 400 miles With this in mind it should come as no surprise that the state’s official nickname is the Ocean State The Atlantic Ocean the second largest ocean in the world has greatly influenced the state’s economy and its people The coast is the most important commercial area lending itself to a vibrant fishing industry And the call of the coast has attracted many visitors making tourism yet another important economic activity in the state Much of Rhode Island’s coastline is rocky but the state also has more than 100 miles of beautiful sandy beaches The official name of the state is The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Providence is the capital of Rhode Island Rhode Island entered the Union on May 29 1790 The state flag has a ship’s anchor and a circle of 13 stars representing the original 13 states The state motto Hope is displayed on a blue ribbon beneath the anchor The Jamestown Windmill on Conanicut Island is more than 200 years old It has been restored to its original condition