Representation of the state seal at Rhode Island State House; photo by Martin Kalfatovic on Flickr (noncommercial use permitted with attribution / share alike).
Official State Seal of Rhode Island
The Rhode Island General Assembly first adopted a seal for the colony in 1664 which contained an anchor with the word "Hope" above it (the state motto). The anchor and motto are also featured on Rhode Island's flag. All State Seals
The use of the word "Hope" was probably inspired by the biblical phrase "hope we have as an anchor of the soul." The seal also contains Rhode Island's full name: "Seal of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" (the longest name of any state).
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