Rhode Island is nicknamed The Ocean State, and entered into Statehood on May 29, 1790.  The Rhode Island State Capital is Providence, and the The Rhode Island State motto is hope.  The Rhode Island State flower is the violet (unofficial)(1968).  The Rhode Island State tree is the red maple (1954). The Rhode Island State bird is the Rhode Island red hen (1954). The Rhode Island State shell is the quahog.  The Rhode Island State mineral is bowenite (1966).  The Rhode Island State stone is cumberlandite (1966).  The Rhode Island State colors are blue, white and gold.  The Rhode Island State song is "Rhode Island, It's for Me" (1996).