Newport in Newport County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)

Touro Synagogue

National Historic Site

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 8, 2011

1. Touro Synagogue Marker

Inscription. Touro Synagogue
of
Jeshuat Israel Congregation
Founded 1658
Ths oldest synagogue building in the United States was designed by Peter Harrison. Ground was broken August 1, 1759. It was dedicated on December 2, 1763. Here, 1781-84 The Rhode Island General Assembly met, and during Washington’s visit to Newport in 1781 a town meeting was held here. The State Supreme Court held sessions here at that period. The building was reopened for religious services on August 2, 1850. In 1790 George Washington wrote to this congregation that . . . “Happily the Government of the United States . . . . gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.”
National
Park Service

United States
Department of the Interior

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1951.

Location. 41° 29.362′ N, 71° 18.72′ W. Marker is in Newport, Rhode Island, in Newport County. Marker is at the intersection of Touro Street and Division Street, on the left when traveling east on Touro Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 72 Touro Street, Newport RI 02840, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker. A different marker also named Touro Synagogue (a few steps from this marker); Gideon Cornell House (within shouting distance of this marker); Charlotte Burleigh House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Letter from Moses Seixas (within shouting distance of this marker); The Famous Letter by President George Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); The New Jersey House (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Joseph's Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Buffum-Redwood House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 8, 2011

2. Touro Synagogue Marker

Gateway to Touro Synagogue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 8, 2011

3. Gateway to Touro Synagogue

Touro Synagogue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 8, 2011

4. Touro Synagogue

In addition to being the oldest synagogue in the United States, Touro Synagogue is the only one still standing from the colonial era.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 585 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 24, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.