When it's not an island? Because, my friends, its full name is the "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations." Ain't nobody got time to use such a big name for such a rinky-dink state, so it's been shortened in common parlance, leaving out the (uncomfortable) reference to the mainland. We drove from Exeter, stopped for lunch in Point Judith, and crossed the (toll) bridge over Jamestown to Rhode Island, that is, the actual Rhode Island, also known as Aquidneck, the largest island in Narragansett bay. There are several theories as to why Aquidneck was called Rhode Island, but in 1644, DJ Roger Williams spun out this line: "Aquethneck shall be henceforth called the Isle of Rodes or Rhode-Island." and a legend was born. Attempts have been made to change the island's name officially to Aquidneck, to avoid the confusion of crossing a bridge from Rhode Island into Rhode Island, but the measure never passes, though the RI department of transportation graciously allows Aquidneck to be a variant appellation. DJ Roger Williams and the Variant Appellations will be taking the stage now.
So. What's on Aquidneck/Rhode Island, Rhode Island? Newport!
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