
For what reason was Rhode Island given its name?
Rhode Island, the smallest state in the United States, was given its name by Dutch explorer Adriaen Block in 1614. Contrary to popular belief, it was not named after the Greek island of Rhodes. Rather, its name was derived from the Dutch word “Roodt Eylandt,” meaning “red island,” due to the red clay found along its shores. This unique origin sheds light on the fascinating history of Rhode Island’s naming and its connection to the Dutch colonial era.