State Symbols

State Flower:  Violet

State Tree:  Red Maple

State Mineral:  Bowenite

State Rock:  Cumberlandite

State Shell:  The Quahog

State Song:  "Rhode Island's It for me" written by Charlie Hall

Origin of State Name:  The name's origin is disputed; some claim it comes from the Mediterranean island of Rhodes while others say it derives from the Dutch words Roodt Eylandt, meaning Red Island.

Nickname for State:  The Ocean State.  Rhode Island is nicknamed the Ocean State to promote recreation and tourism along its coasts.

Nickname for residents:  Rhode Islanders