From the Colonial Period to the Industrial Revolution, Rhode Island is filled with history! Not only are there beautiful old buildings all around throughout the state, but there are also amazing landmarks to visit. These places are dedicated to preserving the smallest state’s extensive past. Here are 10 must-see historical landmarks in Rhode Island.
- Slater Mill Historic Site, Pawtucket
Flickr/Doug Kerr Slater Mill is nicknamed the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. This textile mill helped pave the way for this era. You can tour these amazing mills in Pawtucket for your chance to experience this epic time in our nation’s history first hand.
- Southeast Light, Block Island
Flickr/Timothy Burling Located on the southeastern corner of Block Island at Mohegan Bluffs is one of the entire country’s most beautiful lighthouses. Built in 1874, Southeast Light became a designated US national historic landmark in 1997.
- The Breakers, Newport
Flickr/Wally Gobetz Located on Ochre Point in Newport is this massive Vanderbilt mansion. The Breakers is now owned and operated by the Newport Preservation Society and was constructed between 1893 and 1895 as a summer residence to Cornelius Vanderbilt II.
- Arcade, Providence
Flickr/Louis Oliveira This historic shopping center in downtown Providence was built in 1828 and remains the oldest indoor shopping center in the country. Though out of use for several years, the Arcade was reopened with a collection of original stores and cozy luxury apartments.
- Fort Adams, Newport
Flickr/Steve Freitag This historic military barracks and state park is a breathtaking site in Newport. You can tour the fort through the Fort Adams Trust and learn more about the history of this massive structure.
- Gilbert Stuart Birthplace, Saunderstown
Flickr/Peter Rintels The Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum was home to the famous 1700s portraitist. The property is acres of gorgeous land with a working snuff mill located in Saunderstown.
- Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, Newport
Flickr/gr1fter As the oldest surviving house in Newport, this old colonial is an amazing piece of history to experience. You can tour the home through the Newport Historical Society.
- General Nathanael Greene Homestead, Coventry
Flickr/Erin This National Historic Landmark was built in 1770 and home to the famous war general known as Nathanael Greene. Tours are offered of the property between April and October.
- Brick Market, Newport
Flickr/Reading Tom This 1762 market place is now home to the Museum of the Newport Historical Society. Not only is the building itself quite impressive, but the exhibits are also out of this world. You can visit the Brick Market at 127 Thames Street in Newport.
- Aldrich House, Providence
Flickr/Matt This Federal Style house at 110 Benevolent Street was the home of former U.S. Senator, Nelson W. Aldrich. The house is located on the East Side of Providence and is available for private parties and events.
For information on yet another amazing historic attraction in Rhode Island, click here.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Slater Mill is nicknamed the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. This textile mill helped pave the way for this era. You can tour these amazing mills in Pawtucket for your chance to experience this epic time in our nation’s history first hand.
Flickr/Timothy Burling
Located on the southeastern corner of Block Island at Mohegan Bluffs is one of the entire country’s most beautiful lighthouses. Built in 1874, Southeast Light became a designated US national historic landmark in 1997.
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
Located on Ochre Point in Newport is this massive Vanderbilt mansion. The Breakers is now owned and operated by the Newport Preservation Society and was constructed between 1893 and 1895 as a summer residence to Cornelius Vanderbilt II.
Flickr/Louis Oliveira
This historic shopping center in downtown Providence was built in 1828 and remains the oldest indoor shopping center in the country. Though out of use for several years, the Arcade was reopened with a collection of original stores and cozy luxury apartments.
Flickr/Steve Freitag
This historic military barracks and state park is a breathtaking site in Newport. You can tour the fort through the Fort Adams Trust and learn more about the history of this massive structure.
Flickr/Peter Rintels
The Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum was home to the famous 1700s portraitist. The property is acres of gorgeous land with a working snuff mill located in Saunderstown.
Flickr/gr1fter
As the oldest surviving house in Newport, this old colonial is an amazing piece of history to experience. You can tour the home through the Newport Historical Society.
Flickr/Erin
This National Historic Landmark was built in 1770 and home to the famous war general known as Nathanael Greene. Tours are offered of the property between April and October.
Flickr/Reading Tom
This 1762 market place is now home to the Museum of the Newport Historical Society. Not only is the building itself quite impressive, but the exhibits are also out of this world. You can visit the Brick Market at 127 Thames Street in Newport.
Flickr/Matt
This Federal Style house at 110 Benevolent Street was the home of former U.S. Senator, Nelson W. Aldrich. The house is located on the East Side of Providence and is available for private parties and events.
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