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

A Shelter for Persons Distressed

Photographed By Bryan Simmons, June 5, 2012

1. A Shelter for Persons Distressed Marker

Inscription. 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.

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

Location. 41° 49.833′ N, 71° 24.637′ W. Marker is in Providence, Rhode Island, in Providence County. It is in Downtown Providence. Marker is on North Main Street, in the median. The Marker is located in the Roger Williams National Memorial. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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 Wellspring of Providence (here, next to this marker); The Original Water Supply (a few steps from this marker); Roger Williams Founded Providence Here in 1636 (a few steps from this marker); Roger Williams National Memorial (a few steps from this marker); A Livelie Experiment (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Roger Williams House

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The Cathedral of St. John (within shouting distance of this marker); Realizing Providence (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Providence.

A Shelter for Persons Distressed image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bryan Simmons, June 5, 2012

2. A Shelter for Persons Distressed

Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 589 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 8, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.