Once Called America's Versailles, Newport, Rhode Island's Charm Still

Home , Marble House, Old Colony House, Rosecliff, Touro Synagogue

Once called America’s Versailles, Newport, Rhode Island’s charm still lies in its National Registered Historic Landmark District. It is a seaside city on Aquidneck Island, 37 miles southeast of Providence, Rhode Island. The population of Newport is approximately 25,000. Newport gives a picture of America’s Gilded Age with palatial mansions where the rich built summer homes that were more like hotels. The Breakers, Elms, Rosecliff and Marble House are on most tourists’ agendas when in the area. Other sites to see are Rose Island Lighthouse, Rough Point, Cliff Walk and Newport’s Rocky Coastline. When it comes to historic preservation, Doris Duke is remembered by locals with much admiration. Born in 1912, Ms. Duke was the daughter of an American tobacco tycoon. Her philanthropic interests were as varied as her world travels, social life and interest in the arts. Until her death in 1992, Doris Duke was a major player in preserving more than 80 historic buildings in Newport. Today the Duke Charitable Foundation still exists and sponsors many social and health concerns. Newport was one of the earliest settlements in Rhode Island, along with Providence and Portsmouth. Newport was founded in 1639. It began as a beacon for religious tolerance and political freedom. People who had been persecuted in Europe heard of Newport’s acceptance and came to live and work there. An important seaport town during the 18th century, Newport played an important part in what was known as the Triangle Trade (1739‐1760). From sugar and molasses converted to rum and shipped to Africa for slaves, fortunes were made by those in that business. Britain, in 1770, saw this as an opportunity to regulate and tax this enterprise. Uprisings took place protesting Britain’s actions which eventually lead to the Revolutionary War and independence from Britain. During the 19th century, Newport’s textile industry using the first power loom, played a significant role during the Civil War and became a key location for America’s rich to build and visit in Newport. This photo program centers on Newport ‘s colonial walk. Newport Harbor cannot accommodate large cruise ships. Tenders bring tourists to the island by sea. The island has an airport and one can drive to the island via the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge.

In the historic district, one of Newport’s oldest banking institution is found. The 245‐year‐old Brick Market, which now houses the Newport Historical Museum is an architectural feat for its age.

The Old Colony House, built in the late 1730’s, is America’s fourth oldest statehouse

Adjacent to the White Horse Tavern on Marlborough Street is a Friends Meeting House. The Quakers built it in 1699. It is the oldest surviving house of worship in Rhode Island. In 1905, the New England Yearly Meeting of Friends no longer used the building. The local African American community used the building as a community center until the 1970s. The building was restored by architect Orin M. Bullock and was later donated to the Newport Historical Society.

The statue of Commodore Admiral Perry, an old jail house and restored home

The country’s oldest active synagogue is the Touro Synagogue, on the left. It is well known for its role in the Bill of Rights. The Levi Gale House (1835) is across the street. This Greek Revival styled building houses the community center for the Touro congregation and headquarters of the Society of Friends of Touro Synagogue.

In 1698, Trinity Church, an Episcopal Diocese parish church, was founded. Today it part of Queen Anne Square. During the 1970s after experiencing many abandoned buildings and a fire, Trinity Church members approached Doris Duke to work with the Newport Restoration Foundation to restore the area. After much negotiation and social interaction, the square was completed. It dedicated by her majesty Queen Elizabeth II on July 10, 1976. “Amistad” was filmed here in 1997.

Paul Revere

In 1741, the Newport Artillery Company was chartered by the Rhode Island General Assembly during the reign of King George II of Great Britain. The artillery has served our country in many wars and members of the company have served in every war fought by the United States. Since it had an independent charter, this company took its orders from its own officers and the governor of the colony. The building shown here was built in 1836. The museum has four bronze cannons cast for the state of Rhode Island by Paul Revere in 1798.