Roger Williams and a group of religious followers founded the town of Providence in what is today known as Rhode Island after their banishment from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Williams believed in the importance of liberty of conscience, which became an important principle in the founding of Rhode Island and ultimately in the founding of the United States. Officially called "The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations," Rhode Island is one of the six New England states and one of the original 13 states of the Union, entering in 1790. It is the smallest state in area in the country. Rhode Island's flower is the violet, and the capital is Providence. The exact origin of the state name is unknown.

Capital City:	Providence
Nickname:	The Ocean State / Little Rhody
Motto:	Hope
Statehood:	May 29, 1790 (13th)
Origin of State's Name:	Possibly named in honor of the Greek island of Rhodes or named Roode Eylandt by Adriaen Block, Dutch explorer, because of its red clay.
Largest Cities:	Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, East Providence
Border States:	Connecticut, Massachusetts
Land Area:	1,045 sq. mi.; Smallest state
State Bird:	Rhode Island Red
State Flower:	Violet (viola)
State Tree:	Red Maple (acer rubrum)
State Song:	Rhode Island's It For Me

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