Rhode Island State Symbols
Rhode Island’s state symbols and seals are codified into the general laws, RI General Laws Chapters 42-4 and 42-4.1.
State Emblems
State Seal
First adopted in 1664
Rhode Island adopted a State Seal shortly after receiving its Royal Charter from King Charles II. It included the state's original name, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. However in 2020, Rhode Islanders voted to remove Providence Plantations from the State name, so the current seal says only: State of Rhode Island.
Arms of the State
First adopted in 1882
"The arms of the state are a golden anchor on a blue field, and the motto thereof is the word "Hope"." RI General Law § 42-4-1
State Flag
First adopted in 1877
"The flag of the state shall be white, five feet and six inches fly and four feet and ten inches deep on the pike, bearing on each side in the center a gold anchor, twenty-two inches high, and underneath it a blue ribbon twenty-four inches long and five inches wide, or in these proportions, with the motto "Hope" in golden letters thereon, the whole surrounded by thirteen 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, not including the spearhead." RI General Law § 42-4-3
State Symbols
State Appetizer
Calamari
Adopted on June 27, 2014
Rhode Island has the largest squid-fishing fleet on the East Coast.
State Bird
Rhode Island Red
Adopted on May 3, 1954
Rhode Island Reds lay up to 300 brown eggs a year.
State Drink
Coffee Milk
Adopted on July 29, 1993
The “cabinet,” a classic Rhode Island drink, is made by mixing coffee milk and vanilla ice cream.
State Fish
Striped Bass
Adopted on July 13, 2000
Striped Bass average 20-30 inches long and can live for 30 or more years.
State Flagship
SSV Oliver Hazard Perry
Adopted on July 2, 2018.
The SSV Oliver Hazard Perry is a Class A Tall Ship.
State Flower
Violet
Adopted on March 11, 1968
Violets are often purple and bloom in the spring.
State Fruit
Greening Apple
Adopted on June 20, 1991
Developed in Rhode Island around 1760, Greening Apples retain their sharp taste in cooking.
State Insect
American Burying Beetle
Adopted on July 14, 2015
American Burying Beetles are on the federal Endangered Species List. Photo courtesy of Roger Williams Park Zoo.
State March
Rhode Island
Adopted on July 29, 1996
The State March is to the song “Rhode Island” with words and music by T. Clarke Brown.
State Marine Mammal
Harbor Seal
Adopted on July 14, 2016
Harbor Seals can grow to six feet and weigh over 200 pounds. Photo courtesy of Roger Williams Park
Zoo.
State Mineral
Bowenite
Adopted on May 26, 1966
Bowenite, found in northern Rhode Island, is a relative of jade.
State Sailing Education Vessel
SSV Oliver Hazard Perry
Adopted May 25, 2012.
The SSV Oliver Hazard Perry is a Class A Tall Ship.
State Song
"Rhode Island Is It for Me"
Adopted on July 29, 1996
The song entitled "Rhode Island Is It for Me," words by Charlie Hall, music by Maria Day.
State Shell
Quahaug
Adopted on June 30, 1987
Quahog shells were shaped into beads known as Wampum.
State Tartan
Adopted on July 20, 2000
The State Tartan was created by the St. Andrews Society of Rhode Island, Inc.
State Tree
Red Maple
Adopted on March 6, 1964
Red Maple leaves turn gold, purple, and red in the fall.
State Rock
Cumberlandite
Adopted on May 26, 1966
Cumberlandite is a dark rock with white markings found throughout the state.
State Symbol of American Folk Art
The Charles I.D. Looff Carousel
Adopted on May 28, 1985
Designed and built in 1895 by Charles I.D. Looff, this carousel is one of the few handmade carousels still in use.
State Yacht
Courageous, US-12/26
Adopted on July 13, 2000
Courageous participated in five America's Cup regattas, winning the 1974 and 1977 races.