It's off season, and I have an off question, June. Why is Rhode Island
called that when it's not an island? My map shows it's land-bordered by
Connecticut on one side, Massachusetts on two sides. Thanks, Margaret L
But, but, but...it isn't an island. That was my point. Newport, Prudence
and Conanicut are islands in tthe bay, but Rhode "Island" is
landlocked. Margaret L
Hi Margaret,
The name is actually State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Good question that I probably knew the answer
to at one time.
Providence was named by Roger Williams (IIRC) and I think
the state was named after the Island of Rhodes in Greece?
I'll get back to you on this one.
June
Hi Margaret,
Me again. Rhode Island was named Aquidneck and the name
changed to Isle of Rhodes (Rhode Island) in 1643-44.
Quite possibly because it resembled the Isle of Rhodes
in Greece on the map. In 1663, Charles 11 granted the
charter to Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
In 1664 Rhode Island's motto became "Hope" with the
word written over an anchor.
There you go.
June
Thank you, Peg. Where is Aquidneck Island? It doesn't show on my road
atlas. Margaret L
Hi Margaret,
Since I live on Aquidneck Island, I thought I'd chime in here. The island
that Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth are on... that was "The State of
Rhode Island" part... and the mainland was the "Providence Plantations
part". More or less... Conanicut is more commonly called Jamestown. We also
have Block Island a bunch of miles off the coast. and Prudence Island, and
Hog island and a couple of other small bits of rock.
So hope that solves the riddle for you. Though I don't know all the various
dates that the townships were encorporated, a lot of the early action took
place here on Aquidneck Island... And we ARE an island... REALLY!!! tee hee
Peg in RI
Hahhahahaha -- we don't care. :)
June
Hi Peg and Margaret,
Yes, now that I recall, although a person can drive from Newport
to Providence, they have to go over the George Washington Bridge.
He never lived here that I know of but the famous painting of
him was done by a RI resident. (Gilbert Stuart) We once had a snuff mill too.
And we had Dame Edna for entertainment too.
June
Hi again to Margaret and June...
Margaret, it must be the one you're calling Newport. There are 3 towns on
the island ... Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth. Connected at one side
with the Newport Bridge (Now called the Pell Bridge) and the other end has
the Sakonnet River Bridge (to Tiverton) and the Mt. Hope Bridge (to Bristol)
Hope this helps?
Peg in RI
Peg,
You're right of course -- I thought it was the Geo. Washington
Bridge. :0
Buzzzzz. Off the quiz show now.
June
Hi June,
Ya, I wasn't trying to correct you or anything
to be debating anything close to "geography"... or whether something is
north or south of me, for that matter... tee hee. In fact, I'm not sure what
the Washington Bridge goes over, because I hardly ever go to Providence. Too
far away, you know! But at least I do know how to get off my island... heh
heh. More than I can say for some people who live here!
Peg
has
> the Sakonnet River Bridge (to Tiverton) and the Mt. Hope Bridge (to
Bristol)
Hi Peg,
It isn't like I don't have a map of RI right in my
drawer. Of course it's the Mt. Hope Bridge. :)
Maybe the Geo. Washington Bridge is in New York.
Goes from New York to New Jersey.
You would think I wouldn't have to look at the map.
hee hee. Our beautiful and lush little state.
Ah well. I could blush.
(That is when the reflex closure of the arteriovenous
anastomoses floods the capilaries of the skin. Do not
ask me to repeat this as I'm reading it from a book. :)
June
