But that meaning changed during the mid-18th century. Rhode Island, though a Northern state, was also a major importer of slave labor, though its name came from the original definition of the word.

The order, Executive Order 20-48, will change the name to just “Rhode Island” in official communications from the governor’s office — including future executive orders, citations and ...

Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo signed an executive order Monday removing the phrase "Providence Plantations" from her administration’s communications. As many social media users and media ...

Rhode Island’s official name includes “Providence Plantations” after the name of a settlement founded in 1636 by Roger Williams that now includes the state’s capital city, according to the ...

In 2010, Rhode Island voters rejected a proposal to change the name to simply "Rhode Island." State legislators however are gearing up to put the question back to voters in November 2020.

Rhode Island voters on Tuesday approved shortening the state’s official name, removing the centuries-old phrase “and Providence Plantations.” ...