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

Shakespeare's Head

Photographed By Bryan Simmons, June 5, 2012

1. Shakespeare's Head Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

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.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Colonial Era • Communications. A significant historical year for this entry is 1772.

Location. 41° 49.71′ N, 71° 24.532′ W. Marker is in Providence, Rhode Island, in Providence County. It is in College Hill. Marker is on Meeting Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21 Meeting Street, Providence RI 02903, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Meeting Street School (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Meeting Street School (within shouting distance of this marker); State Arsenal 20th Century Wars Memorial

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The Boys of Adams' Battery "G" (within shouting distance of this marker); Providence Marine Corps of Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); Court and State House (within shouting distance of this marker); College Hill Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Fleur-De-Lys Studio (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Providence.

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, July 20, 2014

2. Shakespeare's Head Marker

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, July 20, 2014

3. Shakespeare's Head Marker

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, July 20, 2014

4. Shakespeare's Head Marker

Shakespeare's Head and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bryan Simmons, June 5, 2012

5. Shakespeare's Head and Marker

The marker is mounted on the front of the building and is visible at the far right.

Photographed By Unknown Photographer (Rootsweb)

6. John Carter

Photographed By Unknown Photographer (Rootsweb)

7. Shakespeare's Head Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 625 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 5, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 30, 2014, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 5, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.