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Rhode Island’s official nickname, “Ocean State,” was adopted in the 1970s to attract tourism. The state has a long coastline and a history of maritime commerce and fishing. The nickname remains relevant today, as it draws tourists and supports the fishing industry.
While there are a number of likely reasons for Rhode Island’s official nickname as the “Ocean State,” the primary reason it has this nickname is because it was voted on by the state legislature and written into the official state register of laws and regulations. The decision was made in the early 1970s as a means of attracting tourism; the thought was that by emphasizing the state’s easy access to the ocean and abundant coastal areas, people might be more inclined to visit Rhode Island, stay a while, and spend some money. The nickname appears on many official state documents, as well as most vehicle registration plates. Like most states, Rhode Island goes by many nicknames. “Ocean State” is the official one, however, and has resonance across multiple industries including maritime commerce, fisheries and ports, as well as general seaside leisure.
Official adoption
State nicknames are phrases or short descriptions that are meant to reveal something about the state, its land, and the people who live there. Every state in the US has a nickname; many have more than one. An official nickname usually has the most permanence and traction because it has usually been established by congress or the state legislature, as is the case in Rhode Island. State legislators ruled in the early 1970s that Rhode Island should formally be known as the “Ocean State,” and by 1972 all new state license plates carried this phrase.
Rhode Island is a state heavily influenced by ocean access, and maritime affairs, including fishing, have played a significant role in its economy and growth. These factors certainly influenced the lawmakers who voted on the official nickname. By most accounts, however, the primary motivation was as a touring engine. Publicity of the state’s access and connection to the ocean was thought to attract more visitors from neighboring New England, as well as other parts of the United States and even the world.
Relationship between the coast and the total area
Of all the U.S. states, Rhode Island has the longest ratio of shoreline to total area. Despite being only 37 miles (60 kilometers) wide and 48 miles (77 kilometers) long, Rhode Island has a total coastline of 400 miles (644 kilometers). This is largely due to the 30 islands dotted around Narragansett Bay in the east of the state. In fact, bays, inlets and sounds make up more than 30 percent of the state’s total area. This means that all Rhode Island residents, even those in the northwestern corner of the state, are never more than an hour’s drive from the Atlantic coast.
Maritime trade
Thanks to its safe harbors and numerous plantations, Rhode Island became a strong center of maritime commerce during the colonial and independent eras of American history. Despite its name, it’s not actually an island, but was home to a large number of plantations, many of which included luxurious villas overlooking the sea. These gave the owners the feeling that they were enjoying an island lifestyle.
Relevance to the fishing industry
The state nickname continues to be relevant today, as Ocean State remains a major center for commercial and recreational fisheries. In addition to this it is a draw for tourists, who make up 65 percent of the anglers who fish Rhode Island waters. Most of the fishing in Rhode Island is saltwater fishing, although river and ocean fishing are also practiced.
Ports, shipping and seaside tourism
Ports such as Newport on Aquidneck Island further enhance the significance of the nickname by offering calm waters for a wide variety of sailing vessels. This reputation for safe, pleasant waters led Rhode Island to develop its tourism industry to include a sizable market for sailing. These pleasure trips are complemented by harbor tours and a wide selection of scenic beaches throughout the state.
