Rhode Island's Historic Sites
Rhode Island is home to a rich array of historic sites that reflect its diverse cultural, political, and industrial heritage. Among these, Aldrich House in Providence offers insight into the political influence of Nelson W. Aldrich during the late 19th century. The Cocumscussoc Archaeological Site in Wickford marks the location of Rhode Island's first trading post, established by Roger Williams, emphasizing the state's early colonial history and American Indian heritage.
Cultural history is showcased through the Crescent Park Looff Carousel and the Flying Horse Carousel, both significant examples of American carousel craftsmanship. The Greene Homestead in Coventry provides a glimpse into military history as the residence of General Nathanael Greene during the Revolutionary War. Additionally, the Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket highlights the origins of America's industrial revolution, being the site of the first successful water-powered spinning machine.
Other notable sites include the Original U.S. Naval War College in Newport, established to train naval officers, and the Stuart Birthplace, the home of famed portrait artist Gilbert Stuart. These sites collectively illustrate Rhode Island's multifaceted historical narrative, inviting exploration of its past and its influential figures.
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Rhode Island's Historic Sites
Aldrich House
Location: Providence, Providence County
Relevant issues: Political history
Statement of significance: From 1878 until his death, this three-story clapboard house was the residence of Nelson W. Aldrich (1841-1915), who, as Republican Senate “boss,” maintained virtual veto power over legislation, pressing his view that business and government should combine to lead the country, but that business should play the leading role.
Cocumscussoc Archaeological Site
Location: Wickford, Washington County
Relevant issues: American Indian history, colonial America
Statement of significance: Cocumscussoc is the historically chronicled locale of the first trading post established in Narragansett Country by Rhode Island’s founder Roger Williams in 1637. Archaeological remains dating to the Historic Contact Period are associated with Richard Smith, Sr., who purchased the site from Williams in 1651, and his son, Richard Smith, Jr., who operated the post from 1662 to 1692.
Crescent Park Looff Carousel
Location: East Providence, Providence County
Relevant issues: Cultural history
Statement of significance: Built about 1895—most of the figures date from 1905 to 1910—this large carousel is the earliest, most elaborate, and probably best preserved of the handful remaining of more than one hundred carousels built by Charles I. D. Looff, one of the foremost manufacturers of carousels in the United States. It is complete with its original shed and early twentieth century band organ and lighting.
Fleur-de-Lys Studios
Location: Providence, Providence County
Relevant issues: Art and architecture
Statement of significance: Fleur-de-Lys Studios, constructed in 1885, is a key architectural monument to the American Arts and Crafts movement. The building’s design is the product of a collaboration between painter Sydney R. Burleigh and architect Edmund R. Willson. Both men achieved considerable professional prominence during their lifetimes.
Flying Horse Carousel
Location: Westerly, Washington County
Relevant issues: Cultural history
Statement of significance: Dating from about 1876, this is the oldest carousel of its type, in which the horses are suspended from a center frame, and may be the oldest extant carousel in the United States. It is one of two intact examples of the work of the Charles W. F. Dare Company of New York City, one of the major carousel manufacturers.
Greene Homestead
Location: Coventry, Kent County
Relevant issues: Military history, RevolutionaryWar
Statement of significance: From 1774 to 1783, this two-story clapboard dwelling, which he designed and built, was the residence of General Nathanael Greene (1742-1786), who was among the most important generals in the Continental army.
Old Slater Mill
Location: Pawtucket, Providence County
Relevant issues: Business and industry
Statement of significance: Here, Samuel Slater (1768-1835) perfected America’s first successful water-powered spinning machine in 1790, and helped to build the country’s first successful cotton mill in 1793. His mill is operated as a museum.
Original U.S. Naval War College
Location: Newport, Newport County
Relevant issues: Military history, naval history
Statement of significance: This institution was established in 1884 to offer advanced courses for naval officers. Alfred Thayer Mahan (1840-1914), a key architect of America’s naval policy, became president of the college in 1886.
Site of Battle of Rhode Island
Location: Portsmouth, Newport County
Relevant issues: African American history, military history, Revolutionary War
Statement of significance: On August 29, 1778, in a valley between Lehigh Hill to the north and Turkey and Almy Hills to the south, the British forces which were occupying Newport engaged American forces under Major General John Sullivan in the only Revolutionary War battle in which an all-black unit, the First Rhode Island Regiment, participated on the patriots’ side.
Stuart Birthplace
Location: Saunderstown, Washington County
Relevant issues: Art and architecture, colonial America
Statement of significance: From 1755 to 1761, this gambrel-roofed, clapboard house was the home of Gilbert Stuart (1755-1828), best known for his portraits of George Washington and other prominent political figures.
Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House
Location: Newport, Newport County
Relevant issues: Colonial America, political history
Statement of significance: Built probably in 1696, this structure illustrates the architectural transition from seventeenth to eighteenth century styles. It was damaged by Stamp Act riots in 1765 when occupied by a Tory stampmaster.
"National Historic Landmarks." State of Rhode Island, Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, 2024, preservation.ri.gov/historic-places/national-historic-landmarks. Accessed 4 June 2024.
"Rhode Island." National Park Service, www.nps.gov/state/ri/index.htm. Accessed 4 June 2024.
"Rhode Island Historic Sites." Visit Rhode Island, 2024, www.visitrhodeisland.com/things-to-do/arts-culture-sightseeing/historic-sites/. Accessed 4 June 2024.