Snapshot : Rhode Island ’ s Act of Renunciation
Every May 4 , we mark Rhode Island Independence Day — but that doesn ’ t make it true . The fallacy was birthed by a Slatersville man who really , really wanted a reason to hang his state flag . His successful persuasion campaign , launched in 1884 , still resonates today . The backstory : All colonies were required to sign oaths of allegiance to King George III . This Act of Renunciation , signed May 4 , 1776 , vigorously repealed that oath but did not declare independence from the British crown . ( That didn ’ t happen until the General Assembly ratified the Declaration of Independence in Newport on July 18 .) The original document , held in the State Archives vault , also features strikethroughs of incendiary accusations our leaders thought better of including , says state archivist Ashley Selima , “ but not enough to start a new piece of paper .” ( Beneath the cross-outs , the colonists compared themselves to slaves — a brutal exaggeration coming from the pens of slave holders and profiteers .) Renunciation Day , anyone ? — CASEY NILSSON