The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society Historical Markers

By Bryan Simmons

The Marlborough Street Chapel

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1 ► Rhode Island, Kent County, East Greenwich — The Marlborough Street Chapel — Rhode Island Afro-American Heritage Trail —

On Marlborough Street at Long Street, on the left when traveling south on Marlborough Street.

Built in 1872 by William Northup on the former site of Scalloptown. This chapel was the first fully integrated congregation in East Greenwich. — — Map (db m58389) HM

2 ► Rhode Island, Providence County, Providence, College Hill — Congdon Street Baptist Church —

On Congdon Street, on the right when traveling north.

Built in 1874 as the second meeting house and a place of worship for the 19th century Afro-American community — — Map (db m57751) HM

3 ► Rhode Island, Providence County, Providence, College Hill — First Baptist Church —

Near Thomas Street.

Members of the Afro-American community met in the vestry of this historic church in 1819 to establish the 1st African Meeting House in Rhode Island. — — Map (db m57750) HM

4 ► Rhode Island, Providence County, Providence, College Hill — John Brown House — Rhode Island Afro-American Heritage Trail —

On Power Street, on the left when traveling east.

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. — — Map (db m313519) HM

5 ► Rhode Island, Providence County, Providence, College Hill — Sissieretta Jones — "The greatest singer of her race" — 1868-1933 —

On Wheaton Street at Pratt Street, on the right when traveling west on Wheaton Street.

Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones, the internationally celebrated soprano known as "Black Patti" lived near this site at 7 Wheaton Street until her passing on June 24, 1933. With 17 medals and a diamond tiara bestowed upon her, she was the highest . . . — — Map (db m56160) HM

6 ► Rhode Island, Providence County, Providence, College Hill — Snowtown Riot 1831 —

On Smith Street (Rhode Island Route 44) just east of Canal Street (U.S. 44), on the right when traveling east.

The site of the second major riot between Providence Afro-American residents and White workers — — Map (db m56149) HM

7 ► Rhode Island, Providence County, Providence, College Hill — The Meeting Street School — Rhode Island Afro-American Heritage Trail —

On Meeting Street just east of North Main Street (U.S. 44), on the right when traveling west.

The 1st public school to be open to Afro-American children in 1828 — — Map (db m222493) HM

8 ► Rhode Island, Providence County, Providence, Downtown Providence — Civil War Monument — Rhode Island Afro-American Heritage Trail —

On Kennedy Plaza at Dorrance Street on Kennedy Plaza.

This monument commemorates the members of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment and the 14th Rhode Island Regiment Heavy Artillery (Colored) who fought and died in the War of the Rebellion — — Map (db m222297) HM WM

9 ► Rhode Island, Providence County, Providence, Downtown Providence — Providence — (Water Street) —

On South Water Street south of Power Street, on the right when traveling south.

The site of an 18th century seaport village where seafaring merchants participated in the African slave trade. In the 20th century this port was used by Cape Verdeans who came to live in America. — — Map (db m298399) HM

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10 ► Rhode Island, Providence County, Providence, Downtown Providence — The Site of Hardscrabble Riot 1824 —

On Francis Street (U.S. 1) south of Gaspee Street (U.S. 1), on the right when traveling north.

The site of Addison Hollow where the first nineteenth century blacks purchased property and the site of the first major riot — — Map (db m56153) HM

11 ► Rhode Island, Providence County, Providence, Lower South Providence — Prince Hall Masonic Lodge F.A.M. —

On Eddy Street, on the right when traveling south.

Hiram Lodge No.3 of the Prince Hall Masons was founded in 1797. It is the second oldest lodge in Masonic history. The Masonic order has played an invaluable role in the development of Afro-American moral values. Social skills and leadership . . . — — Map (db m57579) HM

12 ► Rhode Island, Providence County, Providence, Mount Hope — Olney Street Riot 1831 —

On Olney Street, on the left when traveling east.

The Site of the Second Major Riot in 19th century Providence between Afro-American residents and white workers. — — Map (db m57584) HM

13 ► Rhode Island, Providence County, Providence, Upper South Providence — The Second Freewill Baptist (Pond Street) Church —

On Chester Avenue at Mt. Vernon Street, on the left when traveling east on Chester Avenue.

This historic congregation was a leader in the anti-slavery movement. Emancipation day celebration and served as a station on the Underground Railroad — — Map (db m57753) HM

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