Rhode Island Is Not an Island

Despite its name, Rhode Island is not an island. It is the smallest U.S. state, bordered by Massachusetts (north/east), Connecticut (west), and the Atlantic Ocean (south). Its official name—“State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations”—refers to the mainland portion (Providence Plantations) and Aquidneck Island (historically called Rhode Island), but the state as a whole is part of the continental mainland.