How did Rhode Island get its name?

Answer by  TZ16 (367)

A Dutch explorer named an island in Narragansett Bay, "Roodt Eylandt" which translates to "Red Island". When the English took control of it, the name was pronounced Rhode Island.

Answer by  caporfirio (804)

Rhode Island and Providence Plantation was founded by Roger Williams, a theologian. Mr. Williams was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for his beliefs in freedom of religion and separation of church and state. The English word for a colony meant to plant people in one area, thus the colony became known as Providence Plantation.