Rhode Island: Smallest State With Largest Name Controversy

PROVIDENCE, RI — This week, Sen. Harold Metts introduced a resolution in the Rhode Island Senate calling for a referendum on the state's official name this November. The issue: whether to remove "and Providence Plantations," which opponents say is a reference to the state's history with slavery.

It's been a decade since Rhode Island voters last grappled with the question of the state's identity. In 2010, voters overwhelmingly chose to keep the name as is, with 78 percent in favor of keeping "and Providence Plantations" in the official name. Now, in 2020, Metts said it's time to revisit the issue.

"A decade has passed since the public was asked this question. Attitudes may have changed substantially, even in the past few years — and even in the past few weeks," the Providence senator said. "Whatever the meaning of the term ‘plantations’ in the context of Rhode Island’s history, it carries a horrific connotation when considering the tragic and racist history of our nation."

Though rarely used except in official capacities, Rhode Island's name: "The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" is a point of pride for many residents since it makes the state "the smallest state with the longest name." The "plantation" reference is the root of the controversy, evoking images of America's history of slavery.

Although the usual plantation image is that of the South, slavery was an important part of the northern economy, especially in Colonial times. Rhode Island's economy was dependent on the "Triangle Trade," which carried slaves, sugar cane and rum between the American colonies, the Caribbean and Africa.

"At times, Rhode Islanders controlled as much as 60 to 90 percent of [slave] traffic, leading one historian to suggest that the American slave trade might be better termed 'the Rhode Island slave trade,'" wrote Rachel Chernos Lin in her article, "The Rhode Island Slave Traders: Butchers, Bakers and Candlestick-Makers."

The exact origin of the "plantation" name is unclear. "Providence plantation" refers to the original settlement founded by Roger Williams in the 1600s, which was later merged with Aquidneck Island (or Rhode Island) settlements in Portsmouth and Newport, along with Warwick, to become one unified colony resembling the state known today. It is likely that Williams named his settlement "plantation" simply because it referred to a settlement or colony at the time.

Regardless of the historical origins, Metts said the word carries too much painful connotation today.

"The images that come to mind when I hear the word ‘plantations’ are of the inhuman and degrading treatment of the African Americans who came before me, families ripped apart by slave sales, rapes and lynchings. It is a hurtful term to so many of us. Not unlike the debate over the Confederate flag, retaining the term does nothing to memorialize history but conjures an unnecessary and painful reminder of our racist past," Metts said. "Making this change would pay some respect to our ancestors who were forced into slavery, and would stop serving as a constant reminder to present-day Rhode Islanders of our painful past."

On Friday, in honor of the Juneteenth holiday, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza announced that the city will strike "and Providence Plantations" from all official documents and ceremonies.

"I firmly believe that in order to truly say we are an inclusive and kind city, we must commit to an active, anti-racist stance at every level in our city," Elorza said. "Though this does not correct generations of pain and violence against our Black and Indigenous residents, this Juneteenth we can take this step to build a better, brighter future together. I want to thank the community members that led this work and that continue to raise their voices in our city and across the country, demanding change."

Gov. Gina Raimondo said she believes it should be decided by voters in November, while acknowledging that the name can be painful for state workers and residents of color, since it appears on official documents and is prominently featured in the State House. On Friday, she praised Metts' resolution.

"I hope it goes on the ballot, and if it does I'll be stumping for it," she said.

When asked if she would consider executive action to change the state's name, Raimondo said she will have an announcement on the subject at Monday's coronavirus news conference.

An online petition calling for the state's name to be changed has garnered nearly 6,900 signatures to date.