A white field with a golden anchor encircled by thirteen stars, beneath a blue ribbon with the word “Hope.” Nautical yet idealistic, this small state’s flag is neat, bright, and memorable.
White field with golden anchor encircled by 13 stars and blue ribbon motto.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- Legislative adoption
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- None listed
- Design type
- Emblematic maritime flag
- Complexity
- 3/10
- Readability
- 9/10
- Seal-based design
- No
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Anchor
Represents hope and maritime tradition.
13 Stars
Signify Rhode Island as one of the original 13 colonies.
Motto
‘Hope’ reflects optimism and faith.
Design Breakdown
The Rhode Island flag can be described in a simple build order. This is useful for students learning how flags are constructed.
- Start with the base field described in the construction.
- Add the main shapes first (large stripe, field divisions, or background forms).
- Place the primary symbol(s) in their main position(s) (centre, canton, etc.).
- Finish with details like text, small emblems, and final color fills.
Construction note: White field with golden anchor encircled by 13 stars and blue ribbon motto.
What Makes This Flag Unique
A lot of state flags share common themes. This one stands out for a few reasons:
- Only state flag featuring an anchor as the primary symbol
- One of the few state flags with a white field
- Uses a single-word English motto prominently
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Clear and simple symbolism
- Strong maritime identity
- High contrast and visibility
- Distinct from seal-based designs
Common criticism
- Includes text
- Ribbon-and-emblem layout resembles a seal to some critics
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: No
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the Rhode Island state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Explain anchor and maritime symbolism.
- Discuss meaning of Rhode Island’s motto ‘Hope.’
Print this
Printable classroom handouts for this flag page.
Cite this page
Copy and paste a ready-made citation.
MLA
APA
Note: Citation formats can vary by school. These are common classroom defaults.
Seal Deep Dive
Anchor
A gold anchor centered on a white field.
Attributes: Gold anchor
Meaning: Hope, stability, and Rhode Island’s deep maritime heritage
Motto
The word 'HOPE' displayed above the anchor.
Attributes: Blue capital letters
Meaning: Faith, optimism, and perseverance through hardship
Stars
Thirteen gold stars arranged in a circle around the anchor.
Attributes: Thirteen five-pointed stars
Meaning: Rhode Island as one of the original thirteen colonies
Historical Timeline
Rhode Island ratified the Constitution as the 13th state.
Official flag adopted.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: Emblematic maritime flag
Complexity: 3/10
Readability: 9/10
Fascinating Facts
Smallest state by land area in the U.S.
The motto ‘Hope’ was inspired by a biblical reference.
An anchor is the central symbol of the flag.
The anchor represents hope and stability.
Thirteen gold stars symbolize the original colonies.
The flag features a white field with a gold fringe.
Blue ribbon beneath the anchor bears the motto.
The current flag design was officially adopted in 1897.
State Information
- Population
- 1,097,379
- Area
- 1,545
- Founded
- 29 May 1790
- Region
- Northeast
