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

Washington Street

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 19, 2020

1. Washington Street Marker

Close-up of the top two panels

Inscription. Development of the Rhode Island House Plan
1636 - 1800 Early 17th century house plan: one and a half story end chimney house frame, typical one room end chimney plan, and framing details. Studs were not often used in early Rhode Island houses. Wide vertical boards, nailed to sills, girts and plates formed the walls. Hand split, feathered and ship lapped cupboards or hand split shingles were nailed to these boards.

Late 17th century house plan showing its development from the early period to the later years of the century.

Transitional Phase (1690 - 1720) English buildings, chiefly those of Sir Christopher Wren, began to influence the decorative detail used in colonial building of the turn of the century. Brick replaced stone chimney construction. Central chimney plan houses allowed more rooms to be heated in fireplaces. Wood sash windows replaced the small leaded casement windows of the previous century. Doorways decorated with classic detail became the centerpiece of symmetrical facades.

Fireplaces became smaller, except for the kitchen fireplaces and their ovens. More spacious stair cases were moved to the

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center of the house, where they were provided a vestibule at the front door. Dormer windows were added to roofs providing light to previously dark sleeping lofts.

Typical 18th Century House Plans At the end of the seventeenth century, growing wealth and an increased sense of security made it possible for the Colonial townsmen to improve and expand their houses. LArger houses were now often built with a wide hall running through the center and with rooms opening on other sides.

An increase of details appeared at doorways framed by pillsters in the Doric, Konic, Corinthian or Composite orders and topped with a molded cap or a scroll, segmental or ogee pediment. In 1785, fan arm side lights began to appear around doorways in Providence Houses.

Home builders depended on carpenters' handbooks for the design of mantels, doors, cornices and windows, stair details, floor plans, room proportions, and roof framing.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1636.

Location. 41° 49.607′ N, 71° 24.582′ W. Marker is in Providence, Rhode Island,

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 19, 2020

2. Washington Street Marker

Close up of the bottom panel

in Providence County. It is in Downtown Providence. It is at the intersection of Canal Walk and Canal Place, on the right when traveling south on Canal Walk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Canal Walk, Providence RI 02903, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in New England,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: World War I Monument (here, next to this marker); The First Baptist Meetinghouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Providence Preservation Organizations (within shouting distance of this marker); Steeple Street (within shouting distance of this marker); The Moshassuck River (within shouting distance of this marker); The Woonasquatucket River (within shouting distance of this

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 19, 2020

3. Washington Street Marker

marker); a different marker also named Steeple Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Steeple Street Complex (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Providence.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 6, 2023

4. Washington Street Marker

Unfortunately, the marker has experienced damage.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 243 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 22, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 4. submitted on May 10, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.