Rhode Island Flag
Rhode Island became the thirteenth state in the United States by ratifying the Constitution in 1790. Its name relates back to the island of Rhodes. It was the last of the original thirteen colonies to join the Union. The smallest of all the states, it manufactures jewelry, silver and textiles. Rhode Island ranks 45th in population. Providence is the state capital, and the state nicknames are the Ocean State and Little Rhody. The state bird is the Rhode Island Red, a hen that can lay up to 300 eggs per year. IDEA: Children might want to boil some eggs and make egg salad. They could also visit an Internet site at: Rhode Island.