History
Rhode Island was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a Christian minister, Anne Hutchinson, and others seeking religious freedom from persecution in Massachusetts and Europe. The seal's words and emblems were likely inspired by the biblical phrase "hope we have as an anchor of the soul," found in Hebrews, Verse 6:18-19. After Roger Williams received an official charter in England in 1644, the word "Hope" was placed over the seal's anchor and still remains. The outer circle of the seal reads Seal of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 1636.
Besides the seal, Roger Williams also used Biblical virtues when he named Providence, Rhode Island and the islands in Narragansett Bay: Prudence Island, Patience Island, Hope Island, and Despair Island.
Read more about this topic: Seal Of Rhode Island
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