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

John Brown House

By Devry Becker Jones, June 19, 2020

1. John Brown House Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

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.

Erected by The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Patriots & Patriotism • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society series list.

Location. 41° 49.375′ N, 71° 24.198′ W. Marker is in Providence, Rhode Island, in Providence County. Marker is on Powers Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 52 Powers Street, Providence RI 02906, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. HMS Gaspee (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Providence (about 800 feet away); Rise of the Gangways (1704-1844) / Fall of the Gangways (1844-1983) (about 800 feet away); Horace Mann

John Brown House image. Click for full size.

By Bryan Simmons, June 5, 2012

2. John Brown House

(approx. 0.2 miles away); Revolutions: American and Industrial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Crawford Street Bridge Without Crawford Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Changing Face of the West Bank / The West Bank (approx. 0.2 miles away); Stephen Hopkins (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Providence.

Also see . . .
1. John Brown. Brown University was named after John Brown (Submitted on June 5, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts.)

2. HABS record for the John Brown House. Includes historical information and numerous photos. (Submitted on June 12, 2012.)

Additional keywords. human trafficking

By Bryan Simmons, June 5, 2012

3. John Brown House

The John Brown House is now the Rhode Island Historical Society museum

By Bryan Simmons, June 5, 2012

4. John Brown House

John Brown House (1937), image courtesy of the Historic American Buildings Survey image. Click for full size.

By Arthur W. LeBoeuf, circa 1937

5. John Brown House (1937), image courtesy of the Historic American Buildings Survey

The Historic American Buildings Survey supplemental material for the John Brown House describes it as follows: "Brick with brownstone trim, large square main block plus rear wing, three stories, hipped roof with flat deck, modillion cornice with turned balustrade, Chinese lattice work balustrade on upper deck, five-bay facade with pedimented projecting center bay, Doric entrance porch under Palladian window, central hall plan, one of the most elegantly decorated houses of this period in America. Built 1786-1788; Joseph Brown, architect."

Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 695 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 22, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 5, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. 5. submitted on June 12, 2012. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.