Its motto: Hope.

Its nicknames: America's First Resort, Land of Roger

Williams¹, Little Rhody, Ocean State, Plantation State,

Smallest State.

A jewel like corner of New England, steeped in history

 The smallest state in the country Rhode Island measures a modest 47 miles from north to south and only 40 miles from east to west. But it has the surprising variety of destinations within its borders - emerald forests, eye-soothing farmland, dynamic cities, and spectacular seasides.

In northwestern Rhode Island, forests of birch and cedar are dotted with shining lakes and ponds. Country roads pass by sprawling dairy and poultry farms, recalling the early years when outlying towns were called plantations and the state was given the official name State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

In the northeastern part of the state, the Blackstone River courses south to Pawtucket. Here Samuel Slater built the first waterpowered cotton mill in 1790, ushering in an industrial revolution that drew legions of immigrants to Rhode Island.

South of Slater's restored mill in Pawtucket lies Rhode Island's cosmopolitan capital, Providence. Roger Williams founded the city in 1636, and in the next two centuries it became one of the East Coast's busiest ports. The Providence of today, though a busy urban center, is filled with reminders of the past. Dozens of elegant 18th century homes, each with a bronze plaque recording the date it was built and the name of its first owner, are found along Benefit Street and the area surrounding Brown University on College Hill.

Sweeping from the Atlantic Ocean all the way inland to Providence is Rhode Island's most impressive natural treasure — gigantic Narragansett Bay, which endows the tiny state with a staggering, 400-mile coastline. On the bay are some 35 islands, known by such quaint and quirky names as Hog, Hen, Rabbit, Patience, Hope, and Despair. The largest is named Rhode Island but to avoid confusion residents use the island's Indian name, Aquidneck.

On the southern end of Aquidneck lies the celebrated resort town of Newport. 200 years ago it was an active port and a center for shipping. But in the last century Newport has become a symbol of opulence with luxurious yachts and mansions.

Rhode Island was the first colony to declare its independence from England in 1776. In 1790 it joined the Union as the 13th state.

(”The USA Diversity of 50 States”)