Rhode Island State Flags

The official Rhode Island state flags currently in use were adopted in 1897, but the anchor symbol and hope motto originated prior to 1640. Both civil and state flags are identical, with a white solid background, the traditional anchor and the motto surrounded by 13 stars representing the original 13 colonies. The stars and anchor are in gold, and the motto is over a blue ribbon. The anchor is also a common symbol for hope. A frequent variation of the flag has golden edges on the hoist side. Its official name is the flag of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.