PROVIDENCE_TOUR_2081

Cool AD!

Take a self-guided tour of the colonial homes on Benefit Street

 

Benefit Street, also known as "The Mile of History," offers a self-guided tour of the colonial homes that line its cobblestone paths. Visitors can explore the rich history of the area by walking through the beautifully preserved Colonial and Victorian architecture. The street is home to some of the most significant landmarks, including the John Brown House Museum, the Providence Athenaeum, and the First Baptist Church in America. These sites provide a glimpse into the city's past and its cultural heritage. 

 

Visit Rhode Island+2

 

For those interested in a more structured experience, guided tours are available, offering a deeper dive into the history and significance of each building. These tours are typically offered on specific dates and may require reservations. 

 

Veronika's Adventure+1

 

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy a scenic walk, Benefit Street's Mile of History is a must-visit destination.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to tell you about the Providence Athenaeum, a beautiful Greek Revival building. The famous architect William Strickland designed it in 1836. It was his only project in all of New England. Strickland was a leader in the Greek Revival movement in the United States. His design for the Athenaeum is a classic example of this style.

The building is made of granite from a nearby quarry in Johnston, Rhode Island. It was dedicated in 1838. The Athenaeum was created after two older library companies merged. This new institution was meant to provide learning opportunities for the people of Providence. The Greek design was a perfect choice for this purpose. It reminds visitors of ancient Athens, a city known for its wisdom.

The building sits on a hill, like a small version of the Acropolis. This elevated position makes it feel important. The main entrance is a full story above the street. A grand staircase leads up to it. This creates a powerful visual effect. Two Doric columns stand in the recessed portico. Doric columns are the simplest of the Greek orders. They give the building a sense of strength.

The exterior shows two different textures. The lower part has a rough, rusticated finish. The upper part has smooth, refined granite. This contrast adds a subtle layer of detail to the simple design. The overall effect is both elegant and solid. It truly represents the ideals of Greek Revival architecture. I admire how Strickland used these classical elements with restraint.

Inside, the double-height main library space is quite grand. The original library was a space for reflection and learning. Over the years, additions were built to hold the growing collection. The building is a treasure of American architecture. It continues to serve as a vital center for intellectual life. It is a testament to William Strickland's skill.

 

 

 

 

 

I want to talk about the Old Brick School House in Providence. It was built in 1769. The building is a perfect example of Georgian architecture. I think it is an important part of American history. It was one of the first brick schools in the country.

The Old Brick School House has a simple but dignified design. It is a two-story brick building with a hipped roof. A hipped roof slopes down on all four sides. This kind of roof was very popular in the Georgian period. The building also has a foundation of rough stone. This gives it a sense of solidity and strength. I find the combination of rough stone and smooth brick very interesting.

The schoolhouse was designed with symmetry. The front has a central entrance with a window above it. The front door has a door frame with fluted columns and a pediment. This is typical of the Georgian style. The windows are in a balanced arrangement. The windows originally had small panes of glass. This adds to the building's historical charm.

The building was built by John Smith and Jonathan Hammon. They were well-known tradesmen at the time. They used their skills to create a building for public education. The first floor was for free school. The second floor was for a private school. The building has served many different purposes over the years. It was even used as an armory during the Revolutionary War.

I find the history of the Old Brick School House fascinating. It was a space for early public education. It was also a classroom for early Brown University students. Later, it was a school for African American students and children with disabilities. The Providence Preservation Society now owns and uses the building. It stands as a symbol of education and history in Providence. The simple Georgian design has stood the test of time. It reminds me of the importance of preserving the past.

 

 

 

I want to tell you about John Brown House. I think it is a very important building in Providence. It was built between 1786 and 1788. John Brown was a wealthy merchant who built the house. He wanted a house that would show his status. He was one of the richest men in Providence at the time.

John Brown's brother, Joseph Brown, designed the house. Joseph Brown was an architect and a professor. The house is a perfect example of late Georgian architecture. It is a large, three-story brick building. The outside has white wood trim and sandstone columns. There is a hipped roof and a balustrade around the top.

The house was one of the grandest in the country when it was finished. An early American president, John Quincy Adams, even called it magnificent. John Brown wanted his house to be the best. He had his son and son-in-law measure other grand houses to be sure.

I find the history of the house fascinating. John Brown was involved in the slave trade. His brother Joseph, the architect, was an abolitionist. This created a lot of tension in the family. The house is now a museum. The museum explores this complicated past. It shows the connection between the family's wealth and slavery.

I believe the house is a valuable historical landmark. It helps us understand the complex history of early America. The Rhode Island Historical Society received the house in 1942. They restored it and opened it to the public. Today, it is filled with many of its original furnishings. Visitors can see how a wealthy family lived in the 18th century. It is an important place to visit and learn about Providence's history.

 

 

 

I want to talk about four important buildings on Thomas Street in Providence, Rhode Island. These buildings are the 

Fleur de Lys Building

, the Deacon Edward Taylor House, the Seril Dodge House, and the Club House. They are all located on the same street and are owned by the Providence Art Club.

The Fleur de Lys Building is quite unique. It was built in 1885 and is a great example of the Arts and Crafts style. Artist Sydney Richmond Burleigh and architect Edmund R. Willson designed it to be artists' studios. I think the facade is particularly interesting. It is covered in half-timbering and decorative stucco. This was inspired by medieval English architecture. The building is still used as studios for artists today.

Next door is the Deacon Edward Taylor House. It is the oldest house on the street, built in 1784. I can see that it is a classic colonial style house. Deacon Edward Taylor and his family lived there for over a hundred years. The Providence Art Club renovated it in 2003 to create more studios for artists.

The Seril Dodge House was built between 1786 and 1789. Seril Dodge was a silversmith and clockmaker. The house was eventually sold to the Brown family and later became part of the Providence Art Club. I find it interesting that the house was raised one story in 1906. A colonial revival storefront was added on the new ground level. This was to make room for a market.

Finally, the Club House was built by Seril Dodge in 1790. It is a three-story brick building. It may be the first brick-veneer structure in Providence. Moses Brown bought the house in 1799 for his son. It was first leased to the Providence Art Club in 1886 and then deeded to them in 1906. I can see how it has been modified over the years. The Art Club has made several additions and renovations. It continues to serve as the heart of the Providence Art Club.

 

 

I want to tell you about the Governor Stephen Hopkins House. It is one of the oldest remaining houses in Providence, Rhode Island. It is a wonderful example of colonial-era architecture. The story of this house is interesting because it was built on two different stages.

The original part of the house was a small one-and-a-half-story cottage. It was built in 1707, the same year Stephen Hopkins was born. This early cottage only had one room on the first floor. Stephen Hopkins bought this house in 1742. He was a very important man in Rhode Island's history.

In 1743, Stephen Hopkins decided to expand the house. He added a large, two-and-a-half-story main section to the front of the cottage. This created an L-shaped building. The house now has a formal parlor, a study, and a central hall. This expansion made it a much grander home. The original cottage became the rear wing of the new house.

The house has a clapboard exterior and a gabled roof. The windows are arranged symmetrically on the front facade. This is a common feature of Georgian architecture. Inside, the house has a central hallway and stairs. There are five bedrooms upstairs. The woodwork around the fireplaces is still largely original.

The house was originally located on South Main Street. It has been moved twice since it was first built. It was moved in 1804 and again in 1928. This last move was to make room for a new courthouse. Norman Isham restored the house in the late 1920s. He added a new entrance with a pediment.

The house is now a historic museum. It is filled with antiques and belongings of the Hopkins family. It teaches us about the lives of Stephen Hopkins and his family. Enslaved people also lived in the house. Visitors can learn about their lives as well. I think it is an amazing place to learn about Rhode Island's past.

 

 

 

I want to talk about the Eliza G. Radeke Building, which is part of the Museum of Art at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). It was designed in the Georgian Revival style. William T. Aldrich was the architect for this grand building. It was completed in 1926, not 1929. I admire its respectful and careful design. Aldrich used the style to make the new building fit in with the older homes on Benefit Street.

The Radeke Building is seven stories tall. It features a large, one-story entrance pavilion on the west side. The style is known for its symmetrical and classical details. Aldrich made sure his design was in harmony with the nearby historic residential neighborhood. I think this was a thoughtful approach.

The building is named for Eliza G. Radeke. She was a major benefactor of the museum. Her brothers, Stephen O. Metcalf and Senator Jesse H. Metcalf, funded the building. They dedicated it to her in 1926. This shows the important role of philanthropy in building the RISD Museum.

Inside, the Radeke Building holds some of the museum's most important collections. It was originally designed with large windows to let in natural light. Later, many of these windows were bricked over. This was to better control the light for light-sensitive art. I can understand why they made this change to protect the collections.

Over the years, the museum has expanded several times. The Radeke Building is just one part of the larger museum complex. It connects to other buildings, like Pendleton House. I think it's interesting how the museum has grown over time. It has adapted to its needs while keeping its historic character.

I believe the Radeke Building is a valuable part of Providence's architectural heritage. It stands as a testament to the Georgian Revival style. It also shows the importance of the RISD Museum in the community. I feel this building is a great example of respectful architectural design. It honors the past while serving a modern purpose.

 

 

I want to tell you about the Van Wickle Gates at Brown University. They are an important landmark in Providence. They were dedicated to 1901. I think they are a very beautiful and meaningful entrance to the campus.

The gates were given to the university by Augustus Stout Van Wickle. He was a member of the class of 1876. He worked in banking and coal corporations. Sadly, he was killed in an accident in 1898. His bequest funded the gates and an adjacent building. I believe they are a fitting memorial to him.

Architects Hoppin & Ely and Hoppin & Koen designed the gates. They are made of wrought iron. They have large brick and stone piers on each side. The central gate is larger than the smaller side gates. The side gates are open all year for daily use.

I find the details on the gates very interesting. The Brown University shield is over the center gate. The Rhode Island and Providence seals are on the stone piers. There are also symbolic ornaments, like an hourglass, an owl, and a globe. An inscription from the Roman writer Cicero was added in 1905. I think these decorations give the gates a sense of history and tradition.

The most fascinating thing about the gates is the tradition associated with them. The large central gates are usually kept closed. They open only two times a year. They open inward for new students at the beginning of the school year. They open outward for graduating students at commencement. I like how this ritual symbolizes the start and end of a student's time at Brown.

There is also a well-known campus curse. It says that if a student walks through the central gates more than twice, they will not graduate. I am sure many students avoid the main gates because of this superstition. It adds a bit of fun to campus life. I see the Van Wickle Gates as a beautiful and meaningful part of the Brown campus and Providence itself.

 

 

 

 

I want to explain the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology. It is Brown University's teaching and research museum. The museum has a very interesting history. It began with the private collection of Rudolf F. Haffenreffer. He was a brewer and entrepreneur who owned a large estate in Bristol, Rhode Island.

Haffenreffer was fascinated by the Native American artifacts he found on his property. The estate, Mount Hope, was once the home of the Wampanoag sachem Metacom. In 1928, Haffenreffer built a museum on the property to house his growing collection of Indigenous artifacts. He named it the "King Philip Museum". He even hired a Wampanoag sachem, LeRoy Perry, as an interpreter.

After Haffenreffer died in 1954, his family donated the museum and collections to Brown University. Brown's anthropology department was founded on this donation. The museum was then expanded to include artifacts from all over the world. It was renamed the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology.

The museum's collection is vast. It includes over 150,000 ethnographic and archaeological objects. The collection documents human cultures and societies worldwide. It is especially strong in the Indigenous arts of the Americas, Africa, and Southeast Asia. It also contains one of the largest arctic archaeological collections in the country.

Today, the museum has two main locations. Its Collections Research Center is in Bristol. This is where most of the objects are stored. There is also a gallery for public exhibitions on Brown's campus. I think it's very cool that the museum is used for teaching. Students can get hands-on experience with the artifacts. The museum also provides outreach programs for the public.

The museum has recently made news about its future. The collections are being moved from Bristol location to a new facility in Providence. This move will make the collections more accessible to the public and to researchers. I believe this will help the museum continue its important mission. That mission is to inspire critical thinking about culture throughout the material world. I feel that the Haffenreffer Museum is a true hidden gem of Brown University.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to explain the David Winton Bell Gallery at Brown University. It is a very important part of the university's arts community. The Bell Gallery was established in 1971. It is named in memory of David Winton Bell, a member of the class of 1954. I feel it serves a crucial purpose in supporting contemporary art in Providence and beyond.

The gallery is in the List Art Building. This building is a multi-functional space designed by architect Philip Johnson. It is on College Hill, near the RISD Museum. I think the building's modernist style provides an interesting contrast to the gallery's diverse range of art.

The Bell Gallery focuses mainly on contemporary art. It holds four to five major exhibitions each year. It also hosts annual shows for student artists. Every three years, it displays work by Brown faculty members. This shows the gallery's commitment to both established and emerging artists. I like how it gives a platform to artists from different backgrounds.

The gallery also maintains a permanent collection. This collection has more than 5,000 works of art. It covers a wide range of history, from the 16th century to the present day. It is particularly strong in contemporary art and works on paper. The collection includes works by well-known artists like Rembrandt, Goya, and Matisse. I also noticed works by modern artists like Frank Stella and Alice Neel. The photography collection is also very impressive. It features artists like Walker Evans and Harry Callahan.

The Bell Gallery has a clear mission. It wants to foster artistic dialogue and engage the community. It does this through its exhibitions, programs, and educational initiatives. I believe it acts as a cultural hub for Brown University and the wider Providence community. It gives artists a place to share their work with the public. It also inspires critical thinking about art and culture. I think the David Winton Bell Gallery is a valuable and vibrant art space in Providence.

 

 

 

I want to talk about the John Hay Library at Brown University. It was a very significant building when it was constructed in 1910. This was Brown's first dedicated library building. It replaced the older and smaller library, which is now called Robinson Hall.

The architectural firms of Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge designed the library. They were a well-known firm from Boston. The building was designed in the English Renaissance style. I find the building very grand and impressive. Its exterior is made of beautiful white marble. This marble came from a quarry in Dorset, Vermont.

The library was funded in part by a gift from Andrew Carnegie. He was a famous industrialist and philanthropist. Carnegie asked if the library be named for his friend, John Hay. Hay was a Brown graduate from the class of 1858. He had an important career, serving as Abraham Lincoln's private secretary and later as Secretary of State. I think it's a great tribute to such an accomplished person.

Inside, the library was designed to hold many books. The main floor had a large reading room with space for many students. The library also contained special collection rooms and exhibition spaces. I am impressed by how much thought went into the design of the interior spaces.

The John Hay Library was the university's main library until 1964. That is when the Rockefeller Library was built. The Hay Library was then converted to house the university's special collections. Today, it contains rare books, manuscripts, and the university's archives. It is a very important resource for students and researchers.

The library has been renovated over the years to preserve its historic character. For example, a recent renovation restored the grand reading room to its original design. I think this shows Brown University's commitment to honoring its history. The John Hay Library continues to be a central part of academic life at Brown.

 

I want to tell you about the Rhode Island School of Design, or RISD. It is a very well-known art and design school. RISD was founded in 1877 by a group of women, led by Helen Adelia Rowe Metcalf. I think it is important that women were the driving force behind its creation. They used surplus money from the 1876 Centennial Exposition to start the school and its museum.

RISD's campus is in Providence, on College Hill. It is located next to Brown University. The two schools have a special relationship. They share resources and offer a five-year dual degree program. I believe this partnership gives students unique academic experience. They can explore art and design along with a wide range of academic subjects.

The campus itself is a mix of old and new architecture. The original building, the Waterman Building, was built in 1893. It was designed in the Venetian Renaissance style. Over the years, RISD has adapted many historic buildings for its use. For example, the Fleet Library is in a former bank building. The Admissions Office is in the historic Woods-Gerry House. This mix of architectural styles gives the campus a rich character.

The RISD Museum is a major part of the school. It was founded at the same time as the school. The museum has a very large and important collection. It includes ancient art and contemporary design. It is a valuable resource for both students and the public. I think it is an amazing place for students to study art history and see real objects up close.

RISD is known for its hands-on, studio-based education. The school's mission is to educate artists, designers, and scholars. It wants to challenge the ideas that shape our world. I feel the school prepares students to become leaders in their fields. RISD alumni are very successful. I admire the way RISD combines a traditional approach to skills with an experimental attitude. It is truly a top institution for art and design education.

 

 

 

 

I want to tell you about the First Unitarian Church in Providence, often called the Federal Style Meeting House. It was built in 1815 and 1816. The architect was John Holden Greene, and he was also a member of the congregation. I think it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Greene reportedly considered it his masterpiece.

The church was built after an arson fire destroyed the previous meeting house in 1814. The congregation was determined to build a grand replacement. They hired John Holden Greene, a prominent local architect, for the job. The building is made of dressed granite blocks. The white stone came from a quarry in Johnston, Rhode Island.

The design is a bold mix of Federal and other styles. The building has a large, square nave with a tower and a tall spire on the front. The spine is almost 200 feet tall. A broken pediment sits above the entrance, and four massive Doric columns frame a large window. Some might call this design unconventional, but I think it works very well.

Inside, the sanctuary is elegant and spacious. Four huge columns support a balcony that wraps around three sides of the room. A shallow dome is in the center of the ceiling, with a gilded chandelier hanging from it. The pulpit is made of mahogany and is raised up. Large, arched windows let in plenty of light. I think the interior feels both majestic and serene.

The church has a long history in Providence. It began as a Congregational society. Over time, it became Unitarian. This beautiful building has been in use for over 200 years. It suffered damage from a lightning strike and fire in 1966, but it was carefully restored. I feel that it is a true landmark of Providence and a testament to John Holden Greene's skill as an architect.

 

 

 

 

 

I want to talk about the Joseph Brown House in Providence, Rhode Island. It was built in 1774. Joseph Brown, a gentleman architect and one of the famous Brown brothers, designed it for his own home. He was an amateur architect, but very knowledgeable. I think it's a great example of his personal style. The house is a very interesting blend of English Georgian and New England meetinghouse styles.

The house has a classical, symmetrical plan. It has a front with five bays, or vertical sections with windows. This is a very common Georgian feature. I think the most unusual part is the roof. It has an ogee-curved gable. This was a very rare design for a house in America at the time. I know that Joseph Brown got the idea from English architectural books. This is how he was able to combine the different styles so well.

The house was originally raised above street level. A symmetrical staircase led up to the main entrance. Later, the entrance was moved down to the street level. I think this change was probably made for convenience. The house is built with a brick exterior. It is two stories high.

In 1801, the Providence Bank bought the house from the Brown family. The bank used the building as its office until 1929. The building was designated as a contributing property to the College Hill Historic District in 1970. The house was eventually owned by the Counting House Corporation.

The Joseph Brown House is a real treasure of colonial American architecture. I believe it is a great example of an early American architect creating his own style. It is a very impressive building. I feel that it shows the creativity of early American builders.

 

 

I want to tell you about the Federal Gothic Revival style. This style combines two different architectural traditions. The Federal style is rooted in classical forms from ancient Greece and Rome. The Gothic Revival style draws inspiration from medieval architecture, with its pointed arches and decorative elements. I think John Holden Greene was an interesting architect because he blended these styles in a unique way in Providence, Rhode Island.

The dates 1810-1811 are early for this kind of mix. The Gothic Revival really gained momentum later in the century. This makes Greene's work from this period particularly special. He was experimenting with new ideas. His designs stood out from the more traditional Federal buildings of his time.

One famous example of his early work is the Sullivan Dorr House, completed in 1809. It is an example of Greene introducing Gothic details into his architecture. I can imagine the house being very different from others in the city at the time. Greene took inspiration from pattern books and foreign architecture. This helped him create his unique blend of styles.

The Federal style gives his houses a sense of balance and order. They often feature symmetrical designs and central entrances. The Gothic details, however, bring a sense of romance and variety. These might include pointed arches, delicate trim, or decorative details on window frames. The combination is surprising and very elegant.

I believe Greene's ability to blend these two styles shows his creative vision. His work created a distinctive style for early nineteenth-century Providence. He was an important figure in the city's architectural history. He influenced other architects and helped shape the city’s-built environment. The Federal Gothic Revival is a testament to his craftsmanship and innovation.

 

I want to tell you about State Arsenal, also known as Benefit Street Arsenal, in Providence, Rhode Island. It was built in 1839. According to ArtInRuins, the architect was Russell Warren. I think it is a very interesting example of the Gothic Revival style, especially for a military building.

The building was originally constructed for the First Regiment of Light Infantry. According to Wikimedia Commons, the construction was supervised by Tallman & Bucklin. The arsenal cost $3,000 to build. It is made of rubble stone covered with a cement coating. This coating was once smoother and may have been painted to look like cut stone.

The design of the arsenal is like a small fortress. It features two crenellated towers, like those on a castle. The roof is a gable roof, and it faces the street. The windows are lancet windows, which are tall and narrow with pointed arches. The main entrance is a handsome Gothic doorway, also with a pointed arch. I think these details make the building look very strong and imposing.

The main part of the building is a large drill hall. It has beams on the ceiling, with wooden pendants where the beams cross. This is a simple but effective Gothic Revival decoration. The building has been used for military purposes for almost two centuries. It served as a mobilization site for artillery units in the Rhode Island Militia. It was used in many conflicts, including the Civil War and both World Wars.

In 1906, the building was moved about 80 feet north. This was necessary because a railroad tunnel was built under its original location. The arsenal is now located at the corner of Benefit Street and Meeting Street. It continues to be used by veterans’ associations. It also houses a museum with military artifacts. The State Arsenal is an important part of Providence's history and architectural legacy. It is a unique example of Gothic Revival architecture in the city.

 

 

 

 

I want to tell you about the Nightingale-Brown House in Providence, Rhode Island. It is often called the Joseph Nightingale House. This large, wooden house was built in 1792. It is one of the most important historic homes in the city.

Joseph Nightingale was a wealthy merchant who built the house to show his status. It was the largest wooden frame house built in the 18th century in the country. The architecture combines late Georgian and emerging Federal styles. I can see how its grand size and design made it stand out from other homes at the time.

The exterior has impressive details. The front has a central projecting section, and the main block has a hipped roof. This roof is surrounded by a low balustrade. I notice the central entrance with its fanlight window above. A square porch with columns shelters the doorway. There is also a beautiful Palladian window above the entrance.

The house was sold to Nicholas Brown in 1814. He was the namesake of Brown University. Five generations of the Brown family lived in the house. They made many changes and additions over the years. Architect Thomas Tefft added a carriage house in 1855. Architect Richard Upjohn added a library wing in 1862.

The last Brown family member to live in the house donated it to Brown University in 1985. It is now the John Nicholas Brown Center for Public Humanities and Cultural Heritage. The house needed a lot of work to be saved. A seven-year restoration was completed in 1993 to fix termite damage and rot. I am glad they saved it.

The Nightingale-Brown House is more than just a grand building. Its history is connected to the city's wealth, built partly on the slave trade. It is now a place for learning. It teaches students and visitors about Providence's complicated past. I think it's a very valuable part of Providence's history.

 

 

I want to tell you about the Barker Playhouse in Providence, Rhode Island. It is a very special building with a rich history. The building is an example of Greek Revival architecture. It was originally a church, and its history shows how buildings can change their purpose over time.

The building was constructed in 1839 for St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. The church purchased the land and tore down an earlier multi-family dwelling to build the new church. I think the location, on the corner of Benefit and Transit Streets, is very fitting for such an important building. The design is described as one of the simplest and most severe Greek Revival churches in Providence. It was made of rubble stone and covered with a cement coating. At one point, it had a spire and belfry above the main entrance.

In 1862, St. Stephen's congregation moved to a new, larger building on George Street. The old church building then became the home of another parish, the Church of the Savior. It was used for mission work in the Fox Point neighborhood. This shows the changing needs of the community over the years.

The building found its new purpose in 1932. A request from Henry Ames Barker allowed The Players, a local amateur theater group, to purchase the property. The group was founded in 1909. It is now America's oldest continuously running little theater. The building was renamed the Barker Playhouse.

I find it interesting how the building's architecture has been adapted over time. The Greek Revival style, originally meant for a house of worship, now serves a very different, but equally communal, purpose. It has a simple elegance that still shines through its new theatrical role. The Players have added other buildings to the complex over the years. These additions include the Talma and the "Ice Box," which connect to the main playhouse. The Barker Playhouse is now a cherished part of Providence's cultural life.

 

 

 

 

I want to talk about the Old State House in Providence, Rhode Island. It is a very important historical building in the city. Its history is long and interesting, with construction and renovations spanning many years. The building served as the meeting place for the colonial and state legislature for nearly 150 years.

The first part of the building was completed in 1762. It was a brick Georgian-style building. This construction replaced an earlier building that had burned down. This initial structure was simpler than the Newport Colony House, which was a similar building from an earlier era.

The building was expanded and altered multiple times in the 19th century. The first renovation was around 1840. Russell Warren was the architect for this work. He changed the windows and some of the interior layout.

A major renovation happened between 1850 and 1851. The architect Thomas Tefft added a large tower to the front of the building, facing what is now Main Street. He removed a central gable to do this. Tefft was ahead of his time in appreciating colonial architecture, so he made sure his design fit well with the older style.

Another large addition came in 1867. Architect James Bucklin designed an extension that nearly doubled the building's size. This addition was built toward Benefit Street and was also designed to be sympathetic to the original architecture.

The building's final major changes came between 1904 and 1906. After the new Rhode Island State House was completed, the Old State House was renovated to become a courthouse. Banning & Thornton carried out major internal alterations during this time. They refurbished the interior in the Colonial Revival style. This included new courtrooms, and some of those features are still intact today.

I believe the Old State House's long history of construction and renovation tells a powerful story. It shows the evolution of Rhode Island's government and architecture. It remains a cherished and important landmark today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to tell you about 

Prospect Terrace Park

 in Providence. It is a very important place. The park is located on College Hill. The best feature of the park is its amazing view of the city. I can see many landmarks from there, like the Rhode Island State House and the First Baptist Church.

The park was founded in 1869. Residents of the neighborhood donated the land to the city. At the time, it was a simple view area. There were benches and a fence to protect the overlook. The park was created to offer a peaceful place for people to enjoy the view.

A major change happened in the 1930s. In 1936, Providence was celebrating its 300th anniversary. A monument was planned to honor Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island. A competition was held to choose the design. Ralph Walker was the architect for the setting. Leo Friedlander was the sculptor for the statue.

The statue of Roger Williams was dedicated in 1939. It is a large granite statue. It stands inside a stone arch. The statue shows Williams looking out over the city he founded. I think it's a powerful symbol of his vision.

The monument also has a surprising story. In 1939, Roger Williams's remains were moved to a tomb beneath the statue. His body had been buried for centuries. During the exhumation, they found a tree root that had grown in the shape of his body. This strange root is now on display at the John Brown House Museum.

I feel that 

Prospect Terrace Park

 is a special place. It has a beautiful view of Providence. It also tells a story about the city's founder, Roger Williams. The park shows how the city has changed over time. I think it is a great spot to visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to talk about the Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence. It is a 4.5-acre urban green space located at the foot of College Hill, near where the city was first settled. The park commemorates Roger Williams, who founded Rhode Island and championed religious freedom in the 17th century. I believe it is a very special place because it honors his ideas rather than his physical image.

The memorial was established by Congress in 1965. It commemorates Williams's "outstanding contributions to the development of the principles of freedom in this country". After his banishment from Massachusetts in 1636, Williams came to this site, which the Wampanoag people called Moshassuck. He was drawn to a freshwater spring here. Williams then founded a new settlement, which he named Providence, as a "shelter for people distressed of conscience".

Spring was the center of the settlement and became a gathering place for the community. Over the centuries, urban development covered the spring. It was rediscovered in the early 20th century. Today, the site of the spring is marked by the Hahn Memorial, a symbolic wellspring within the park. Isaac Hahn was the first person of the Jewish faith elected to public office in Providence, and this memorial honors his legacy as well.

The park itself was developed in the late 1970s and completed in 1982. The National Park Service designed it to be a place for people to gather and reflect on the freedoms that Roger Williams promoted, like freedom of speech and assembly. Instead of a statue of Williams, who famously did not think his looks were important, the park features open lawns and walking paths. It is meant to be a space for people to gather and share their own ideas.

I find the park's message very powerful. It reminds me of the importance of individual conscience and the separation of church and state. The visitor center is in the historic Antram-Gray House, which was moved to the park in 1974. This center offers exhibits and videos about Roger Williams's life and influence. The Roger Williams National Memorial is an important historical landmark that celebrates the founding principles of Rhode Island and the United States.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to tell you about Mary Elizabeth Sharpe Park in Providence, Rhode Island. It is a small but very important green space in the heart of the historic Benefit Street neighborhood. The park was dedicated in 1989 to honor Mary Elizabeth Sharpe, a dedicated philanthropist and environmentalist.

Before the park was created, the land was an abandoned, overgrown lot. It was a neighborhood eyesore for many years. The Providence Preservation Society and the local Garden Club, called the Perennial Planters, worked with the city to transform the space.

The park was designed by landscape architect Sara Bradford. The design uses native and sustainable plants. The goal was to preserve this rare urban green space and create a habitat for birds and butterflies. It also made the area more beautiful for residents and visitors.

Mary Elizabeth Sharpe was a notable figure in Providence. She was known for her efforts to beautify the city. For example, she was a leader in the creation of India Point Park, a large waterfront park. She also established a tree fund and encouraged tree planting throughout Providence. Her work had a lasting impact on the city's green spaces.

The park's creation was a collaborative effort. The Perennial Planters, the City of Providence, Benefit Street residents, and the Rhode Island Foundation all contributed. I think this shows how community action can transform a forgotten space into a beautiful and cherished one. The Mary Elizabeth Sharpe Park is a fitting tribute to her dedication to making Providence a more beautiful and greener city. It stands as a small but powerful example of successful urban beautification.