Rhode Island became the 13th state to be admitted into the Union on May 4th, 1776. Rhode Island state's full name is Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, and its flag was adopted on November 1st, 1897 and has not changed since it was first adopted. The Rhode Island state flag is white, bearing on each side of the flag an anchor in gold. Under the golden anchor a blue ribbon with the state motto: "Hope," is written in gold letters. Surrounding the anchor and ribbon are 13 gold stars representing the 13 original states in the Union.