Providence, RI

Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, was founded in 1636 and is among the oldest cities in the United States. Like a number of other colonies, the city was a religious haven. Founder Roger Williams had been banished from Massachusetts Bay Colony for his belief in separation of church and state, and for opposing confiscation of Native American land.

Providence and Rhode Island were the first to revolt to revolt against King George, but the last to ratify the United States Constitution.

Downtown Providence now holds remnants of the city’s commercial past, as well as current government buildings and the new “knowledge industry” sites. The compact metropolis is eminently walkable. In fact, the Providence/Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (goprovidence.com) has a series of five “Providence Walks” published as amazing 3×6-inch pocket guides.

The CVB staff is special: My wife and I visited in April, 2021 – during the pandemic. Though their offices were closed, a staffer we met in the street by chance welcomed us into the visitor center to give us maps and brochures, including the “Providence Walks” guides.

• Wikipedia: Providence, Rhode Island
• Wikipedia: List of National Historic Landmarks in Rhode Island
• Official Website: providenceri.gov
• Tourism Website: goprovidence.com
• Google Map
• Related: Providence Preservation Society: Guide to Providence Architecture
• Related: Buildings of New England: Providence
• For Your Bookshelf: Guide to Providence Architecture (Providence Preservation Society/American Institute of Architects Rhode Island Chapter)

Providence Photo Galleries

Providence / City Hall

It took 33 years to build Providence City Hall: Three years of construction, 30 years fighting over where to put it! Name: Providence City HallLocation: 25 Dorrance StreetYear Completed: 1878Architect:EXPLORE NOW

Providence / Conrad Building

Built as a wedding gift, the Conrad Building is Venetian Gothic eye candy on Westminster Street in the Downtown Providence Historic District. Name: Conrad BuildingLocation: 375 Westminster StreetYear Completed: 1885Architect:EXPLORE NOW

Providence / Cranston Street Armory

The yellow brick fortress, once home of the militia and National Guard, is a landmark of the West Side's Broadway-Armory Historic District. Name: Cranston Street ArmoreLocation: 315 Cranston StreetYear Completed:EXPLORE NOW

Providence / Emery’s Majestic Theatre

Built as a motion picture palace, the facade is a stunning display of cream white and polychrome terra cotta. The Washington Street landmark is now home of live theater viaEXPLORE NOW

Providence / Rhode Island State House

Rhode Island's imposing neoclassical capitol is sited prominently atop Smith Hill. The white marble structure, designed by McKim, Mead & White, was completed in 1901. Name: Rhode Island State HouseLocation:EXPLORE NOW

Providence / Turk’s Head Building

A Downtown Providence Historic District landmark, with a memorable stone carving fashioned after an 1800's ship's figurehead. Name: Turk's Head BuildingLocation: 11 Weybosset StreetYear Completed: 1913Architect: Howells & StokesStyle: neoclassicalWikipedia:EXPLORE NOW

Much more to come! The table below lists current (↗) and future Downtown Providence photo galleries. East Side and West Side photo galleries will be listed later.