Statehood The 13th state May 29, 1790 Captial Providence State Motto Hope 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. State Nickname The Ocean State Rhode Island is nicknamed the Ocean State to promote recreation and tourism along its coasts. Interesting Facts More than 23,000 Rhode Islanders fought for the Union during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Brown University in Providence is the state's oldest institution of higher education and one of the oldest in the nation. It was chartered in 1764 as Rhode Island College. Despite its small geographic size, Rhode Island has an extensive shoreline and mild summer climate, which contribute to its renown as a vacation state.