Why does Rhode Island have that name if it isn't an island?

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

Inquiring minds want to know.

[wellstone_democrat]

1. because of Newport

Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay looked to someone (I forget who) like the Isle of Rhodes, hence, Rhode Island was named

The details are sketchy but that is the outline of the story---I know this because I am one of the fortunate few born in Rhode Island!

[Loonman]

2. God visited Massachusetts, ate a lot of clams,

Squatted, and there was Rhode Island.

:evilgrin:

[shrike]

7. You must be from Mass.

I used to live in Rhode Island and lord the number of jokes and comments that used to come from the folks across state line. Of course, you all thought nothing of coming across state line to buy up our (formerly) cheap real estate.

[Loonman]

9. Oh, of course not

But, Maine is actually funnier than RI.

[shrike]

10. I love Maine

I love all of New England, actually, even Mass. But seriously, what you said sounds almost exactly like the one-liners Boston comedians used to come up with about R.I., hence I figured you must be from there.

[zanana]

3. Why isn't there an East Virginia?

Or a North Virginia? Or a South Virginia? For that matter, why isn't there an Old York? Or an Old Hampshire? Or.......

[Rabrrrrrr]

4. There are old York and Old Hampshire -

they're in England.

As to the East or South Virginia, no idea.

[SmileyBoy]

6. West Virginia is a collection if former Virginia counties.

During the Civil War (1863, officially), a group of counties in Northwest Virginia split from the rest of the state, because they didn't want to be Confederate like Virginia. These counties became "West Virginia".

The debt that West Virginia had to pay to Virginia as a result wasn't payed off until the 1930's.

[kodi]

5. the full name is State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations

and inquiring minds do know how to google, do they not?

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

8. Google ain't near as much fun as...

...starting totally superfluous conversation in the Lounge. :toast:

[afraid_of_the_dark]

11. Maybe it's for the same reason that there is a Grand Island, NE...

To trick all of the unsuspecting settlers. :P