Why Rhode Island Is Called the Ocean State: History, Coastline & Fun Facts

Rhode Island is the smallest state in America and it takes its role as the Ocean State the identity of Rhode Island is deeply tied into its extensive coastline, bright bays and oceanside communities. A nickname to reflect geographic boundaries, it captures more than tha it links to a cultural and historical connection to the sea.

Which State is Called the Ocean State?

Rhode Island is the official title of "Ocean State" among the fifty states of America while the state occupies approximately a mere 1,034 sq. miles, approximately 384 miles of tidal shorelines is expected from how complexly curved and cut in by inlets the shoreline is along Narragansett Bay.

The coastal contours guarantee that nearly every Rhode Island resident lives within a short drive to oceanfront or bay waters. This features a commended the state on its noncommercial license plates in 1972 for having replaced the Discover slogan.

What Reason Does Rhode Island Have for Being Called the Ocean State?

The reference accentuates how integral the ocean and bays are to the definition of Rhode Island.

• It presents itself in the sheer amount of accessible coastline where much more seaside recreation, tourism and economic possibilities can be realized than one would ever expect from such a small state.
• It would sell Rhode Island tourism, beaches, boating, fishing and the towns by the seaside.
• The Narragansett Bay cuts deep into the state and water is part of almost every corner in this state and the lives of Rhode Islanders can never be quite luxuries but rather integrally connected and part of daily life.

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What Was Originally Rhode Island Called?

Rhode Island has long been called the Providence Plantations, a title from the colonial days that contained both its island settlements and its mainland settlements under one name. Rhode Island was the part of the name which applied to what is now called Aquidneck Island, and Providence Plantations meant various settlements on the mainland. The name Rhode Island itself comes from Dutch Roodt Eylandt (red island) or may possibly go back to the name of Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano (who said the shore was like the Greek island of Rhodes).

In 2020, after much increasing public sentiment and legislative action overruling that by major psychological influencing and the state cast a vote to have Providence Plantations dropped from its official name. Accordingly, official documents now refer simply to the State of Rhode Island, but the name for oceanic states remains true. 

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Famous Persons & the Role of Providence

Roger Williams is associated with Rhode Island founder of Providence Plantations, proponent of religious freedom and proponent of separation of church and state. The Williams's legacy continues to be strongly associated with the identity of the state.

The Providence also had some intriguing things to offer during the American Revolution with citizens protested taxes from Britain, held their tea party, built defensive fortifications and quartered both American and French troops at places such as Brown University's University Hall. The Providence earned its place in early American history beyond its seafaring roots.

How the Ocean State is today?

Rhode Island cannot now be accused by anyone of pride in the Ocean State. It attracts visitors to its coastal towns from Newport to Narragansett for sailing, seafood and shores throughout the year. The bay centric geography of the state continues to shape its local economies, culture and lifestyles. Its title may have changed, Rhode Island is a testament to what it means to be in touch with the sea.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or official state documentation.