Rhode Island State Motto: Hope
Fact-checked • Updated December 5, 2025
OFFICIAL STATE SEAL
"Hope"
Hope
About This Motto
The Rhode Island state motto is simply Hope. Just one word. You'll find it on a blue ribbon beneath a golden anchor on both the state flag and Great Seal. Back in 1664, the General Assembly placed this word above an anchor on the colonial seal. Roger Williams founded Rhode Island in 1636 as a refuge for religious freedom.
What the Motto Means
Hope expresses optimism and faith in the future. Old English hopian gives us the root, meaning to wish or expect with confidence. Colonial leaders picked this word during times of religious persecution and political turmoil. They trusted Rhode Island would stay a sanctuary for freedom of conscience.
In 1930, historical writer Howard M. Chapin published research suggesting the biblical verse from Hebrews inspired this choice. Verses 18 and 19 of Chapter 6 call hope an anchor of the soul. Here's why Rhode Island paired these two ideas together on official emblems.
Historical Background
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1636 - Rhode Island Founded
Massachusetts Bay Colony banished Roger Williams for his religious views. He bought land from the Narragansett tribe and established Providence Plantations. People of all faiths could worship freely there.
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1644 - Royal Charter Granted
King Charles II granted Rhode Island a royal charter recognizing the colony's right to self-governance. Williams made the trip to England to secure it. Religious freedom gained protection, and legal authority was established.
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1647 - Anchor Adopted
An anchor became the seal of the province when the General Assembly voted to adopt it. William Dyer, an artist, drew the first official seal. Official documents soon featured this anchor as Rhode Island's primary symbol.
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1664 - Hope Added
May 4, 1664 marks when the General Assembly formally added Hope above the anchor on the colonial seal. Why this word? Official records don't say. Historians point to the biblical phrase linking hope with an anchor as the likely inspiration.
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1875-1882 - Official State Adoption
In 1875, Rhode Island adopted its Great Seal with Hope as the official motto. Six years later, the General Assembly formally recognized the Arms of State, effective February 1, 1882. Design elements used for over two centuries finally received official status.
Where You See It Today
You can see the motto daily on Rhode Island's state flag, adopted in 1897. White field. Golden anchor. Thirteen stars in a circle. Hope shows up in gold letters on a blue ribbon beneath that anchor. The coat of arms uses identical design elements on a blue field instead.
Visit Providence's State House and you'll find this motto displayed throughout the capitol. Government documents carry the Great Seal with its anchor and ribbon. Legislative proclamations feature it too. The 2001 commemorative quarter went a different direction, showing a vintage sailboat on Narragansett Bay as a nod to Rhode Island's maritime heritage.
Interesting Facts About the Motto
Fact 1 of 5
Smallest state by land area. Shortest motto too, at just one word.
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. All information has been fact-checked and verified against official government records.
Official state symbols documentation from Rhode Island. • Accessed: December 31, 2025
Overview of Rhode Island’s motto “Hope” and its placement on the state seal. • Accessed: December 31, 2025
Official information about Rhode Island state symbols. • Accessed: December 31, 2025
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