- Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States. At 1,045 square miles, it is about half the size of the next largest state, but still larger than Washington, D.C. --which is a district, not a state. Rhode Island's small size doesn't diminish its long, jagged coastline, which also earns it the nickname "The Ocean State." Rhode Island also has the longest official name of any one of the 50 states: The State of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations.
- Delaware if the second smallest state at 1,982 square miles, which still makes it nearly twice the size of Rhode Island. Delaware also borders the Atlantic Ocean. On December 7, 1787, Delaware ratified the Constitution to became the first state in the union. The state nickname, The First State, fits with the state motto: Liberty and Independence. Delaware recognizes many official state symbols, including an official drink (milk), an official dessert (peach pie) and even a state star, known as Delaware Diamond and located in the constellation Ursa Major.
- Connecticut's 4,845 square foot area makes it the third smallest U.S. state. Along with portions of New York and New Jersey, it makes up the tri-state area surrounding New York City. Connecticut was an important site for the American Revolution, housing the depot of Danbury. Prior to colonization, modern-day Connecticut was home to the Tunxis Tribe, which was part of the Algonquin federation. The modern capital of Hartford gained that status in 1875.
- The state of Hawaii is the fourth smallest state, and the smallest not located in the New England or Mid-Atlantic regions. Its islands have a combined area of 6,423 square miles. The Hawaiian islands include Niihau, Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai and Kaho' olawe. Hawaii is the youngest state, entering the union on August 21, 1959. Besides English, Hawaii recognizes Hawaiian as an official state language. Its remote Pacific location gives it its own time zone that no other state shares.
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