Visit Newport, an American city with centuries of history to visit.

Newport, Rhode Island, was a thriving seaport and trading community well before the founding of the United States, so its attractions include interesting historic homes and beautiful old churches along with more contemporary attractions. Newport is home to Touro Synagogue (1763), the oldest synagogue in American, and Trinity Church (1726), where George Washington worshipped. Fort Adams State Park, where the Newport jazz and folk festivals take place, was activate in 1799 and it hosts many military encampments and demonstrations. Other attractions in Newport include wharves and ships, historic farms, vineyards, and museums, among them the Naval War College Museum

A-C     |     D-G     |     H-K     |     L-Q     |     R-Z
D-G top of listings

Fire Department Memorial Building

50 Narragansett Avenue Jamestown, RI 02835 Phone: 401-423-0062

Open: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; weekends by appointment

Antique firefighting equipment is on display here, including a horse-drawn steam engine from 1894 and photographs of fire fighters at work and at play. In the museum is an authentic hand tub dating from the mid-19th century.

Fort Adams State Park

Ocean Drive Newport, RI Phone: 401-847-2400

An active military fort from 1799 to 1945, Fort Adams sits on more than 21 acres and held up to 2,400 troops. The original defenses still present include height walls, powder magazines, three tiers of guns and cannons, and listening tunnels. The park also includes a picnic area, beach, boat launches, and fishing piers.

Fort Barton

Highland Road Tiverton, RI Phone: 401-625-6700

In 1778, Fort Barton was the staging area for the invasion of Aquidnck Island, which led to the Battle of Rhode Island. The site has three miles of nature trail walks, including a wild plant trail, and an observation tower. miles of nature trail walks, including a wild plant trail

Founder's Brook

Boyd's Lane Portsmouth, RI

The first Rhode Island settlers from Boston landed here in 1638, led by Anne Hutchinson. She was the first woman in the U.S. to found a town. A marker on the site holds the Portsmouth Compact, an early democratic document.

Gray's Store

4 Main Street Adamsville, RI Phone: 401-635-4566

One of the oldest continuously operation stores in the United States, Gray's was built in 1788. On the premises are the areas original post office, built in 1804, a historic soda fountain, display cases, and an ice chest. Numerous antiques are on display, and the store has cheddar cheese, penny candy, and collectibles for sale. Open year-round, call for operating hours.

Great Friends Meeting House

Farewell Street and Marlborough Street Newport, RI Phone: 401-846-0813

Built in 1699, the meeting house is the oldest religious building in Newport. Features the history of the Quakers, once the dominant religion in Newport colony. Open by appointment only, call at least one week in advance.

Green End Fort

Vernon Avenue Exit, North side Middletown, RI

Constructed in 1777 by the British as part of their Newport defense lines. Open year-round.
H-K top of listings

Hunter House

54 Washington Street Newport, RI 02840 Phone: 401-847-1000

A decadent Mansion in historic Newport

Hunter House is one of the finest examples of Georgian Colonial architecture from Newport's "golden age" in the mid-18th century. The French admiral Charles Louis d’Arsac de Ternay used this 1748 home as his Revolutionary War headquarters. The carved pineapple over the doorway was a symbol of welcome throughout Colonial America. The elliptical arch in the central hall is a typical Newport detail. Call 401-847-1000 information and tour schedule.

Jamestown Windmill

North Road, off Route 138 Jamestown, RI Phone: 401-423-1798

Built in 1787, this windmill has been restored and is owned by the Jamestown Historical Society. Tours are available. Open mid-June-mid-September, Sat and Sun 1-4 pm, also by appointment.
L-Q top of listings

Memorial to Black Soldiers

Routes 114 and 24 Portsmouth, RI

Memorial to the First Rhode Island Regiment, a batallion comprised mostly of black Americans, who prevented British troops from flanking the main American line during the Battle of Rhode Island in 1778.

Monument to Elizabeth Pabodie

Commons Burial Ground Little Compton, RI

Historic gravesite of the first girl born to colonists in New England: The daughter of Pilgrims John and Priscilla Alden. Open year-round, dawn to dusk.

Museum of the Artillery Company of Newport

23 Clarke Street Newport, RI 02840 Phone: 401-846-8488

Open: May–October, Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and by appointment the rest of the year.

In the Newport Armory, built in 1836, the museum contains a large collection of military artifacts, both from the U.S. and foreign sources representing more than 100 countries past and present. The museum is run by the Rhode Island Militia, which was chartered in 1741 and is the country's oldest military organization. Cost: Admission is free; donations are accepted.

National Museum of American Illustration

Vernon Court at 492 Bellevue Avenue Newport, RI 02840 Phone: 401-851-8949 Fax: 401-851-8974

The Museum is open year-round by advance reservations for museum tours.

The National Museum of American Illustration exhibiting original artworks from the Golden Age of American Illustration, including Maxfield Parrish, Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth and 75 others in its extensive collection. The Museum venue, Vernon Court, is a Beaux-Arts adaptation of an 18th century French chateau, by noted architects Carrere and Hastings.

Summer 2011 Hours (through Labor Day): Open to the Public Saturdays & Sundays 11a-5p. Guided Tours Fridays at 3pm. Private VIP & Group Tours available at other times with advance reservation.

Summer 2011 Admission Rates: $18 Adults, $16 Seniors 60+/Military, $15 Groups (10 or more), $12 Students (with ID), $8 Children 5-12. Children under 5 not admitted. NAC/AAM/NEMA Members admitted free of charge.

Naval War College Museum

686 Cushing Road Newport, RI 02841 Phone: 401-841-4052 Fax: 401-841-7074

Open year-round Mon-Fri 10a-4:30p; Weekends from June-Sept. 12-4:30p. Closed holidays.

The museum is in Founders Hall (1820), a National Historic Landmark, and features exhibits on the history of naval warfare and the history of the Navy in the region, as well as the naval history of Narragansett Bay. Founders Hall is where the college started in 1884 and where naval historian Capt. Alfred Thayer Mahan wrote the epochal The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783 - the book that helped to change the course of naval history at the start of the 20th century. Exhibits include milestones in naval warfare, the significance of the sea in international policy objectives, and the relationship between the U.S. Navy and Rhode Island in general. You may also access the U.S. Navy's History Database of ships and aircraft, available on a kiosk at the museum.

Newport Congregational Church

Spring and Pelham Streets Newport, RI Phone: 401-849-2238

The most recently built church for a congregation originally formed in 1695. Constructed in 1835, this is one of only two churches in the U.S. to be completely decorated by 19th century painter John LaFarge. Open by appointment only.

Old School House

East Main Road and Union Street Portsmouth, RI Phone: 401-683-9178

Open: Memorial Day-Labor Day, Saturday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; also by appointment.

The oldest schoolhouse in the United States, built in 1716. Antique textbooks, school bells, and school furniture on display.

Old Stone Mill

Touro Park Newport, RI Phone: 401-846-1398

A bit of mystery surrounds this site: some theorize it was built by Colonial farmers, others that it is far older and actually may have been constructed by visiting Norsemen before the 15th century. Open year-round, dawn to dusk.

Portsmouth Historical Society

870 East Main Road Portsmouth, RI 02871 Phone: 401-683-9178

Open: Memorial Day-Columbus Day, Sunday, 2-4 p.m.

The museum is in a former Christian Union Church, built in 1865. Collections of Colonial farm and household tools can be found inside. The museum grounds contain the Southermost School (1725), which was moved there in 1952 and the Old Town Hall (c. 1850), moved to the site in 1975.

Prescott Farm

2009 West Main Road Middletown, RI Phone: 401-847-6230

Collection of Colonial buildings, restored by the Newport Restoration Foundation, including the Guard House of British General Prescott, an operating windmill, and a country store. Open April-November, Mon-Fri, 10 am-4 pm.

Prescott Farm and Gardens

2009 West Main Road Middletown, RI 401-846-4152

Feel history come alive at this charming country setting with an 1812 windmill and other historic buildings. Explore the open green space and walking trails. Featured buildings are the Robert Sherman Windmill, the Guard House (mid-1700s), Hicks House (c.1715), a simple structure of two rooms and a loft; and Sweet-Anthony House (c. 1730), an excellent example of an 18th century, middle-class farmer’s house.
Prescott Farm’s kitchen and herb gardens are living laboratories that showcase period horticulture as well as contemporary gardening practices. The plant varieties grown in the gardens represent what many Aquidneck Islanders may have used for food, medicine and other purposes in the Colonial era. Although certain design features evoke the historic time period, the gardens are maintained using 21st century sustainable techniques.
Workshops are offered at Prescott Farm during the summer and fall each year. Past workshops have included: stonewall building, blacksmithing, open hearth cooking, a beehive tour and tasting, and wind energy past and present. Hours: Grounds are open daily dawn to dusk. See a schedule of upcoming programs at Prescott Farm and our other sites.
R-Z top of listings

Redwood Library and Athenaeum

50 Belleville Avenue Newport, RI Phone: 401-847-0292

Outstanding portraits done in the 18th and 19th centuries can be found in the nation's oldest library building. Open Mon-Sat, 9:30 am-5:30 pm.

Revolutionary Earthworks Battery

Prospect Hill, off Beavertail Road Jamestown, RI

Site of an 18th century earthworks, used during the Revolutionary War. Second highest point on the island affords a spectacular view of the water. Open year-round, dawn to dusk.

Rhode Island Red Monument

Main Street Adamsville, RI

This monument pays homage to the world-famous poultry breed, established in 1854. Open year-round, dawn to dusk.

Salve Regina University

100 Ochre Point Ave. Newport, RI 02840 Phone: 401-847-6650 Toll-Free: 800-321-7124 Fax: 401-848-2823

A nationally recognized university in the heart of historic Newport, Salve Regina offers 29 undergraduate majors in liberal arts and professional disciplines, 16 graduate degree programs, Graduate Extension Study, Summer Sessions, and a new Undergraduate Degree Completion Program with distance learning by Internet. Our beautiful oceanside campus, bordered by the scenic Cliff Walk, sits in the middle of Newport's recreational and cultural attractions.

Samuel Whitehorne House

416 Thames Street Newport, RI 02840 Phone: 401-849-7300

Built in the 18th century, the house is now home to exhibits of hand-made silver, pewter, and furniture created by Newport artisans of the period. Features a traditional Colonial manor garden.

Seventh Day Baptist Meeting House

82 Touro Street Newport, RI Phone: 401-846-0813

Next to the Newport Historical Society Museum, this church was built in 1729 and is the oldest 7th Day Baptist structure in the U.S. The pulpit is rich in decor. The building includes a William Claggett clock. Call for hours and to make an appointment.

St. Mary's Church

Spring Street Newport, RI Phone: 401-847-0475

Rhode Islands oldest Roman Catholic parish was founded in 1828. The church is best known as the site of the wedding of Jacqueline Bouvier to John Fitzgerald Kennedy in 1953. Open Mon-Fri 7 am-11 am. Closed holidays.

Sydney L. Wright Museum

26 North Road Jamestown, RI 02835 Phone: 401-423-7280

Open: Monday-Tuesday, 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.; Thursday, noon-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; summer Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; winter Sundays, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Housed in the Jamestown Philomena Library, this museum features both Native and Colonial artifact collections from both the pre-historic and settlement periods. Most of these were found at local sites.

Touro Synagogue

85 Touro Street Newport, RI Phone: 401-847-4794

The oldest synagogue in North America is a worldwide symbol of religious freedom. Built in 1763, the synagogue houses the oldest torah in North America and a letter written by George Washington 1790. Hours vary seasonally. Call for specific times or to make an appointment.

Trinity Church

Queen Anne Square, Spring and Church Streets Newport, RI Phone: 401-846-0660

Historic church completed in 1726. George Washington worshipped there, and the organ was tested by George Frederick Handel before being sent from England. Contains Tiffany stained-glass windows and the only three-tiered, wine glass pulpit in America. Open May, daily 1-4 pm; June 15-Labor Day, daily 10 am-4 pm; September-April, daily 10 am-1 pm. Sun worship (Episcopal), 8 and 11 a.m. (summer, 8 am and 10 am).

United Congregational Church

Valley Road and Green End Avenue Middletown, RI Phone: 401-849-5444

This church is one of the oldest in New England--it's congregation began in 1695. Interesting historical records. Open Tues-Fri, 8:30 am-3 pm.

Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House

17 Broadway Newport, RI 02840 Phone: 401-846-0813

The oldest restored home in Newport, built in 1675. The house is the site of the Stamp Act Riot of 1765 and was home to Colonial governors, justices, and patriots. Property also contains a Colonial herb garden.
Hours: Open during the summer or by appointment. Call for times.

Watson Farm

455 North Road Jamestown, RI Phone: 401-423-0005

Open: June 1-October 15, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

This working farm is managed according to the principles of sustainable agriculture and raises heritage-breed cattle and other livestock. Visitors follow a self-guided walking tour to explore the open fields and pastures. Walk to commanding views of Narragansett Bay, stroll along the shore, and observe wildlife and the seasonal activities of the farm. The house is not open to the public.
Admission: $4; seniors, $3; students and children, $2.

Whitehall Museum House

311 Berkeley Avenue Middletown, RI 02842 Phone: 401-846-3116

Open: July-August, daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Monday

Built in 1729 by Dean George Berkeley, an Anglican bishop and philosopher. The home is authentically furnished with 18th century antiques and the small gardens are landscaped with a variety of plants and flowers. The National Society of the Colonial Dames in Rhode Island, who offer tours during operating hours. Cost: Adults, $5.

Wilbor House Museum

548 West Main Road (Route 77) Little Compton, RI 02837 Phone: 401-635-4035

Open: Mid-June to Labor Day, Thursday-Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; weekends through Columbus Day, 1-5 p.m.; and by appointment throughout the year. Last tour is at 4 p.m.

Built in the 17th century and expanded and remodeled over the next 200 years, the property was restored in 1956 by the Little Compton Historical Society. The house contains period furniture and artifacts. The barn features historic farm items, vehicles, and tools. There is a Colonial herb garden. Guided tours available. Cost: Adults, $5; Children, $1.
A-C top of listings

Abraham Rodrigues Rivera House

Washington Square Newport, RI Phone: 401-849-8048

Steeped in history, this home was the residence of many important Newport citizens, including Deputy Governor John Gardiner. Newport citizens met here in 1763 to plan a college in the Rhode Island colony, which eventually became Brown University. Open Mon-Thurs, 9 am-3 pm, Friay 9 am-6 pm.

Beavertail Lighthouse

Beavertail Point, Beavertail State Park, Jamestown, RI Phone: 401-423-3270

While the current tower of this lighthouse was built in 1856, it sits on the site of just the third lighthouse built in the United States--back in 1749. A museum discusses the history of the lighthouse and the area. Open year-round, dawn to dusk.

Brick Market Place

Long Wharf, Thames Street and America's Cup Avenue Newport, RI

Originally built in 1762 as a market and granary, this complex has been restored and is now a popular mall.

Channing Memorial Church

135 Pelham Street Newport, RI Phone: 401-846-0643

Built in 1880, this Unitarian Church was named for William Ellery Channing, a leader in the Unitarian Church and the abolitionist movement. The structure is built mostly of granite, and features artistic stained glass windows and a bronze plaque by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. This church was attended by Julia Ward Howe, author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Open for Sunday worship at 10 am, and by appointment.

Chase-Cory House

3908 Main Road at Tiverton Four Corners Tiverton, RI Phone: 401-624-4013

Colonial home built in 1730. Features special exhibits by the Tiverton Historical Society. Open May-September, Sun 2 pm-4:30 pm, or by appointment.

Continental Sloop Providence

Fort Adams State Park Newport, RI Phone: 401-846-1776

This is a reproduction of the first ship commissioned by the Continental Navy, under the command of John Paul Jones. It has 10 guns and is 110 feet long. Available for sails, group charters, and dockside events. Call for more information.
A-C     |     D-G     |     H-K     |     L-Q     |     R-Z