Rhode Island State Flag

Date adopted: Nov 1, 1897

The flag of Rhode Island, USA, is a white field featuring a prominent gold anchor at its center, symbolizing hope. Surrounding the anchor are thirteen gold stars, representing the original Thirteen Colonies and Rhode Island's status as the 13th state to ratify the Constitution. Below the anchor, a blue ribbon bears the state's motto in gold, which simply reads, "HOPE." While the flag is often depicted with golden fringe around its edges, this fringe is not part of the flag itself and is only used in federal-level displays. The present design was formally adopted in 1897, but the anchor and "hope" elements date back to the 1640s and were inspired by a biblical phrase from Hebrews, reflecting the colony's early history of religious freedom-seeking settlers.