| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — A Changing Nation |
| | By the end of the Revolutionary War, the center of town had moved to several blocks south of this point. From 1820 to 1850 the Blackstone Canal and Providence and Worcester Railroad were built along the western edge of this plot, and Canal Street was erected along the channeled Moshassuck River. The ranks of labor for industrial growth were swelled by a succession of immigrants who filled the shops backstreet tenements of this quarter until the 20th century. — Map (db m56211) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — A Howling Wilderness |
| | Though uninhabited on the eve of its settlement by Europeans, this area already had a 7000 year history of activity by native Americans. In 1636, this land was the low, marshy shoreline of a large saltwater cove to the west, along the eastern side of this plot, at the foot of a steep forested hill, lay an old native footpath, the forerunner of North Main Street today. Left picture Algonkian Basket, circa 1675, from the Fields Point area of Providence. Tools for mat and basketmaking . . . — Map (db m56175) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — A Shelter for Persons Distressed |
| | In 1636, Roger Williams bought land from the Narragansett chiefs and established a colony here near the site of a fresh water spring. Naming the town for God's providence to him, Williams declared the settlement a shelter for the persecuted of all religions. The original settlers built their house in a row along the west side of the street, on narrow plots running uphill. The Williams house was directly across the street. — Map (db m56176) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — A Thoroughfare Town |
| | This intersection was the earliest center of colonial Providence. A grist mill stood just north, at the falls of Moshassuck River, and a tannery and taverns were nearby across the street. In 1676 the natives of many tribes united against the New England colonies in King Philip's War. Alone, unarmed, and over 70 years old, Roger Williams walked out on a point of land in the river here, and pleaded unsuccessfully with the warriors to spare his town from burning. Williams was fluent in the . . . — Map (db m56152) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Beneficent Congregational Church |
| | Organized in 1743 under the leadership of Joseph Snow Sr. as ruling elder First minister Rev Joseph Snow Jr. 1743-1793 Original meeting house built on this site 1744-6 Present building dedicated in 1810 Vestry and Chancel remodeled and present organ installed in 1923 The first church established in the west side of the river — Map (db m56338) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Bethel A.M.E. Church |
| | Former site of the Bethel A.M.E. Church 1866-1961
Beginning as a free mission in 1795, members met in the African Meeting House before purchasing this lot in 1820. The services were held in the homes of the members for over 40 years. In 1866, the church was built on Meeting Street and served for 96 years as a place of continuous worship. — Map (db m30314) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski |
| | Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski
Soldier of Liberty
American Revolutionary Hero
1747-1779
This monument was erected by the Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski Bi-Centennial memorial committee of Rhode Island in memory of Casimir Pulaski. A Revolutionary Hero of two continents.
He distinguished himself in the battles of:
Brandywine: Germantown: Valley Forge:Egg Harbor: Warren Tavern: WhiteMarsh: Haddonfield: Chalestown: and Savannah.
Brigadier General. United States
Father of . . . — Map (db m57674) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Burning of British Taxed Tea |
| | Near this spot the men and women of Providence showed their resistance to the unfair taxation by burning British Taxed tea in the night March 2nd 1775 — Map (db m56349) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — College Hill Historic District |
| | Has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark
Under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935
This site possesses exceptional value in commemorating and illustrating the history of the United States
US Department of Interior
National Park Service
1971 — Map (db m56155) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Congdon Street Baptist Church |
| | Built in 1874 as the second meeting house and a place of worship for the 19th century Afro-American community — Map (db m57751) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Court and State House |
| | This edifice of which the older portion was begun in the year of Our Lord 1760 and first occupied in 1762 was used as Court and State House by the Colony and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations until the year 1900 — Map (db m56158) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — First Baptist Church |
| | Members of the Afro-American community met in the vestry of this historic church in 1819 to establish the 1st African Meeting House in Rhode Island. — Map (db m57750) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — First Professional Theater |
| | Site of the "first' Professional Theater in Providence from August 6, 1795- September 23, 1832 — Map (db m56281) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — First Town House of Providence |
| | On this lot stood the first town house of Providence here from time to time Roger Williams presided over freemen from 1644-1647 — Map (db m56159) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Fleur-De-Lys Studio |
| | Fleur-De-Lys Studio
Has been designated a National Historic Landmark
This building possesses National Significance in Commemorating the History of the United States of America
1992
National Park Services
United States Department of the Interior — Map (db m57749) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Fountain Street |
| | At the turn of the century, the area around Mathewson Street was the core of Providence's entertainment district. By 1916, Providence had as many as sixteen theaters.
The site next to Grace Church marked the changes. The Nickel theater known as Lothrop's gave popular plays, variety performances, and " exhibited freaks." It eventually became the city's first full time movie house. The Nickel was then removed to make way for the E.F. Albee Stock Company Playhouse, which subsequently became . . . — Map (db m56464) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Gabriel Bernon |
| | Near this spot lived Gabriel Bernon a Huguenot Refugee
Born Larochelle France April 6, 1644
Died Providence February 1, 1736
Merchant Colonizer Churchman — Map (db m56148) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Giovanni Da Verrazzano |
| | To
Giovanni Da Verrazzano
The navigator from Italy
who in 1524 crossed the perilous northern Ocean
First to
behold the coast of the future United States
cast anchor in this bay
explore its islands
one of which because of its shape he christened Rhodes
name later extended to the entire state of Rhode Island
Donated by Carrara, The Marble City and by Greve in Chanti where Verrazzano was born in pledge of ever growing friendship between the American and Italian people — Map (db m56325) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Gone From Hence |
| | Roger Williams died in Providence early in 1683, and was buried with a simple ceremony behind his home, near today's intersection of Benefit St. and Bowen St. Remains at the site were exhumed in 1860 and removed to the Old North Burying Ground. In 1939 they were placed beneath the granite statue of Williams on Prospect Terrace, overlooking the city which he founded. — Map (db m56154) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — HMS Gaspee |
| | "Sons of Liberty"
Upon this corner stood Sabin Tavern in which on the evening of June 9th 1772 the party and organized to destroy the H.R.M. schooner Gaspee.
In the destruction of which was shed the first blood in the American Revolution — Map (db m56292) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Horace Mann |
| | This building honors the memory of
Horace Mann
1796-1859
Brown University class of 1819
Father of American public education, Statesman, reformer, and advocate for the abolition of slavery — Map (db m59206) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — John Brown House |
| | The home of John Brown Reflecting the wealth and position gained from his lucrative career as a slave trader, privateer, China trade merchant and Patriot. — Map (db m56014) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Lady Carrington and The Blackstone Canal |
| | If this were the year 1828 you could climb aboard the barge Lady Carrington and travel by water all the way to Worcester.
It was October 8, 1828 and the Blackstone Canal had opened for passenger and cargo service between Providence and Worcester. One hundred yards south of this spot, musicians greeted passengers who were boarding th 65 foot flagship Lady Carrington for its maiden voyage. It was the first commercial shipping in the Great Salt Cove since the Great Gale of 1815 destroyed the lift . . . — Map (db m56470) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Marconi |
| |
to
Gugliemo Marconi
Father of
Wireless Telegraphy
A grateful generation erects this monument in thanksgiving for the wondrous gift of aerial communication which has enriched commerce and industry. Fostered the arts and sciences. Bringing treasures of greater knowledge and happiness into the hearts and homes of mankind — Map (db m57581) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Olney Street Riot 1831 |
| | The Site of the Second Major Riot in 19th century Providence between Afro-American residents and white workers. — Map (db m57584) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Pembroke College Tribute |
| | The building adjacent to this site housed
Pembroke College
Founded in 1891 with six students, the Woman's College in Brown University formally established in 1896 and renamed Pembroke College in 1928. The first women to receive degrees were Anne Tillinghast Weeden and Mary Emma Woolley in 1894. In 1971 the merger of Pembroke College with the college of Brown University was completed, and coordinate education gave way to coeducation The Tribute is a gift of 1085 Pembroke alumnae, Their families, and their friends. — Map (db m56330) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Prince Hall |
| | PHA
Dedicated To Our Founder
Prince Hall
First Grand Master
Free and Accepted Masons
Patriot Soldier Teacher
Sept. 1748 - Dec. 1807 — Map (db m57580) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Prince Hall Masonic Lodge F.A.M. |
| | Hiram Lodge NO.3 of the Prince Hall Masons was founded in 1797. It is the second oldest lodge in Masonic history. The Masonic order has played an invaluable role in the development of Afro-American moral values. Social skills and leadership abilities. The oldest fraternal organization in the Afro-American community, membership in the Masonic order continues to be held in high esteem among the majority of Afro-American people. — Map (db m57579) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Providence (Water Street) |
| | The site of an 18th century seaport village where seafaring merchants participated in the African slave trade. In the 20th century this port was used by Cape Verdeans who came to live in America. — Map (db m56287) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Repentance for Slavery |
| | On this site Providence R.I. July 5th 1999 in conjunction with the 22nd general Synod of the United Church of Christ a group of church and community people gathered in an act of repentance for African American slavery and in celebration of human freedom. — Map (db m56283) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial |
| | The great famine of 1845-1851 was the most important event of the Nineteenth century Ireland. In the seven terrible years between 1845 and 1851, the potato crop, on which a large majority of the Irish people depended for their survival, failed completely or partially during their harvest season. The result of this devastating crop failure, caused by a disease commonly called "the Blight," was that at least one million men, women, and children died of outright starvation or of the epidemic of . . . — Map (db m56278) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Rhode Island Korean Veterans Memorial |
| | In Tribute to Rhode Island Korean War Veterans — Map (db m56348) WM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Rhode Island Soldiers and Sailors Memorial |
| | Erected by the people of Rhode Island to the memory of the brave men who died that their country might live
(Plaque): Civil War Monument This monument commemorates the members of the 1st Rhode Island regiment and the 14th Rhode Island Regiment heavy artillery (colored) who fought and died in the war of the rebellion — Map (db m56161) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Rhode Island State House — Inscription near the dome |
| | To hold forth a lively experiment that a most flourishing civil state may stand and best be maintained with full liberty in religious concernments — Map (db m62089) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Roger Williams Landing 1636 |
| | Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, was born in London in 1603. After graduating from Cambridge University in 1627, Williams took holy orders in the church of England. In 1630 he emigrated to the New World and settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Roger Williams believed in the separation of church and state and liberty of complete religious freedom. He maintained that the Indians were the rightful owners of the land and that the English Crown's grant of land for the colony . . . — Map (db m57585) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Shakespeare's Head |
| | Built by publisher John Carter in 1772 to house the printing press of the Providence Gazette, the post office and a bookshop as well as Carter's growing family, this is one of the oldest three-story structures in Providence. So named for the sign outside Carter's literary establishment: a carved bust of William Shakespeare.
The building was saved from demolition in the 1930's and has been carefully preserved by the Shakespeare's Head Association. — Map (db m56034) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Sissieretta Jones — "The greatest singer of her race" — 1868-1933 |
| |
Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones, the internationally celebrated soprano known as "Black Patti" lived near this site at 7 Wheaton Street until her passing on June 24, 1933.
With 17 medals and a diamond tiara bestowed upon her, she was the highest paid performer of her race and the first African American to perform at Carnegie Hall. For 28 years she toured the world, singing for 75,000 at Madison Square Garden, four U.S. presidents, the German Kaiser, and British Royalty. She is buried at Grace Church Cemetery, Providence — Map (db m56160) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Snow Town Riot 1831 |
| | The site of the second major riot between Providence African American Residents and White workers — Map (db m56149) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Steeple Street Complex — 1827 - 1847 |
| | The Steeple Street Complex was built in three main stages between 1827 and 1847 during a key period in Providence's growth into a leading commercial and industrial city. When Joseph Congdon and Randall Green built the first section, 3 Steeple, to house their side by side stores. Canal Street had just been opened alongside the newly constructed Blackstone Canal. The iron and hardware business prospered and the company added another store 5-7 Steeple, in 1828 and took Green's store as well. In . . . — Map (db m56171) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Stephan Hopkins — 1707 - 1785 — Merchant and Ship Builder |
| | Ten times Governor of Rhode Island
Chief Justice of the Superior Court
Chancellor of Brown University
Member of the Colonial Congress
Signer of the Declaration of Independence
Lived in this house 1743-1785
Washington was here a guest April 6, 1776
This building erected
at the corner of South Main St. about 1743
was removed to its present site in 1927 — Map (db m56030) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — The Arcade — Also known as the Providence Arcade |
| | Has Been Designated a National Historic Landmark
this site posses National significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America
An important example of modern monolithic granite construction, this is one of the most beautiful commercial structures initiating European business arcades — Map (db m44926) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — The Bicentennial of Haitian Independence — Memorial Plaza |
| | In memory of two Haitian Freedom Fighters born into slavery, Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines symbolized those who fought for the liberation of Saint Dominque from its colonial bonds between 1791-1804. Armed with the conviction that slavery and servitude had no justifiable place within human society in a civilized world, and under the banner of the Declaration of the Rights of Man, their devotion to democratic principles was realized in the creation of the Republic of Haiti . . . — Map (db m57583) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — The Brown Bear |
| | The Brown bear was originally cast in plaster by Eli Harvey. A fund raiser campaign to "put a hair on the bear" was led by Senator Theodore Francis Green Class of 1887, and resulted in the commission of a bronze sculpture in 1923, the bronze bear was dedicated at a ceremony on the campus during commencement.
For 65 years the bear stood in front of Marvel Gymnasium as a symbol of the strength, courage, and endurance of Brown University and her extended family, now, here on the college . . . — Map (db m56087) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — The First Baptist Church |
| | Founded by
Roger Williams
A.D. 1638
The oldest
Baptist Church
in America
The oldest church in this state
This meeting house erected
A.D. 1773 — Map (db m56032) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — The History of The Weybosset Bridge |
| | adapted from The Civic and Architectural Development of Providence by John Hutchins Cady
Just to the north of where you are now standing the first bridge across the Providence River was erected in 1660, connecting the shore of the Neck with Weybosset Neck and the Pequot path which provided access to the meadow lands. Previously, a ford in the river had been used as an approach to that path which led through Pawtuxet and the Narragansett country into the lands of the Pequots in . . . — Map (db m56466) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — The Hurricane of September 21st 1938 |
| | Top Marker The Hurricane of September 21st 1938 driven by a wind velocity of 95 MPH max caused tidal waters to reach a new level as indicated below
13 feet 8½ inches
above mean high water
one foot eleven and one fourth inches higher than previous record of September 23rd 1815
Bottom Marker
In the great gale of September 23rd 1815 the wind driven waters around the walls of this building rose to the level of this line
Eleven feet nine and one fourth inches above mean high water — Map (db m56293) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — The Meeting Street School |
| | [Upper Marker:]
This building was erected in 1769 as a public school house by the town and its properties. Occupied by Brown University in 1770. One of the four first free public school buildings in 1800. Occupied by a school for colored children for many years. A "Fresh Air" school established in 1907, was opened here in 1908.
[Lower Marker:[
The Meeting Street School
The first public school to be open to Afro-American children in 1828 — Map (db m56049) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — The Original Water Supply |
| | Left Plaque The Spring on this lot was the original water supply around which Roger Williams gathered the first settlers was in 1721 by reservation in the deed from the Proprietors of Providence made accessible to the townspeople forever
Right Plaque
This plot of ground was in 1931 given to the city of Providence by J-Jerome Hahn in memory of his father Issac Hahn the first citizen of Jewish faith to be elected to office by the voters of Providence — Map (db m56174) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — The Puritan and the Indian |
| | Daniel Chester French
Completed 1902
Restored 2002 by Granoff Associates
Daniel Chester French is best known as the sculptor of the Lincoln Memorial and Concord's Minute Man. This statuary portrays the two cultures that defined New England history. — Map (db m56285) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — The Second Freewill Baptist (Pond Street) Church |
| | This historic congregation was a leader in the anti-slavery movement. Emancipation day celebration and served as a station on the underground railroad — Map (db m57753) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — The Site of Hardscrabble Riot 1824 |
| | The site of Addison Hollow where the first nineteenth century blacks purchased property and the site of the first major riot — Map (db m56153) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Thomas A. Doyle |
| | Eighteen years mayor of Providence
Pioneer in Urban Renewal — Map (db m56284) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — University Hall |
| | Has Been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark
Under the provisions of the Historic sites act of August 21 1935
This site possess exceptional value in commemorating and illustrating the history of the united states of America
US Department of interiors
National Park Services
1963 — Map (db m45072) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Wall of Hope — A Rhode Island Community Response to September 11th |
| | This mosaic was created by more than 10,000 Rhode Island Residents of all ages, races, religion, and cultures. The magnificent artwork you see here is a tribute to loved ones lost, to the heroes of the 9-11-01 tragedy and to our hope for the future.
The majority of the wall of hope tiles are held here in Waterplace Park. Thousands more can be viewed on the Providence Journal Building and inside the RI Convention Center in downtown Providence. The final home for the installation will be the . . . — Map (db m56474) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — Woonasquatucket River — (Woon ahs kwa tuck it = where the salt water ends) |
| | The Woonasquatucket River is one of the fourteen federally designated American Heritage Rivers. From its headwaters in North Smithfield, it flows to Providence where it creates Waterplace Park, and then joins other rivers to form the upper part of Narragansett Bay.
The River played a powerful role in Rhode Island's progression from pioneer to national leader in the American Industrial Revolution. This rich industrial heritage left behind dams that prevent the passage of fish-such as . . . — Map (db m57577) HM |
| Rhode Island (Providence County), Providence — World War I Memorial |
| | By this memorial the city of Providence commemorates the loyal courage and fidelity of all her citizens who served in the World War whose high example still summons us to love and serve our country — Map (db m56294) HM |
Subscribe
— Privacy Policy
— Terms of Use
— About Us
— Contact Us
HMdb.org