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A+History
History · Providence

Providence has 166 places on the National Register, 12 of them National Historic Landmarks

Among the most historic 1% of U.S. towns · #2 of 38 in Rhode Island. What drives it

Dated to 1636 (Wikidata and Wikipedia’s history), with 55% of its homes built before 1940 and 36 historic districts holding 6,106 contributing buildings. Below: 124 old photos and papers, maps from 1889 on, the census since 1790, and every listing on the Register.

1636founded
166on the National Register
55%homes built before 1940
124old photos & papers
39famous people
Add an old photoShare a memory
From Providence’s archive · credits on each photo
Quick answers

How Providence began

When was Providence founded?

1636

Providence dates its founding to 1636 (Wikidata and Wikipedia’s history agree). It appears in the first U.S. census, 1790.

First census: 6,380 in 17902020 census: 190,934390 years

How historic is Providence?

A+

Among the most historic 1% of U.S. towns, on its age, its old homes and the National Register.

What drives the grade ↓
Founding year: Wikidata; Wikipedia’s history section gives the same year. First post office: 1773.The full story ↓
History grade

What drives Providence’s History grade

On its age, its old homes and the National Register, Providence is among the most historic 1% of U.S. towns, #2 of 38 in Rhode Island. All 3 inputs put Providence near the top nationally; its share of homes from before 1940 ranks highest.

A+
HistoryA character grade: shown, never part of Providence’s overall grade.
Founding era1636, from Wikidata: founded before 1776, an older era than 96% of U.S. townsA+Homes built before 194054.5% of homes (±2.1) · typical RI town 20.1% · U.S. 8.4%A+National Register166 listings, 6,106 historic buildings, 318 per 10,000 residents · typical RI town 94.7 · U.S. 2.4A
All U.S. towns we grade (21,289)Among the top 1%
NewerOlder
Rhode Island towns of 2,500+ (38)Ahead of 97%

Among the 400 U.S. cities of 100,000 or more, Providence ranks #4 on History.

Rhode Island towns list more on the Register than most of the country (a typical Rhode Island town has 94.7 per 10,000 residents, the U.S. 2.4), so Providence’s 318 sits above most of its state (89% of Rhode Island towns have fewer) while its 6,106 historic buildings outnumber those of 100% of U.S. towns.

How sure. Graded on any two of the three inputs instead, the letter would still be A+. The pre-1940 share (±2.1 points) is firm at this size. Two sources give 1636.

Founding year: Wikidata (other dates in Quick answers). Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. National Register: National Park Service, May 2026 list; each listing counted once (boundary changes and added documentation belong to their listing), and a historic district counts its contributing buildings. How TownRatings grades history →

What stands out about Providence’s past

Read from the archive, the National Register and the record. The page puts what stands out first.

A town in postcards124 old photos, postcards and papers, 1787–1960.A National Historic Landmark166 places on the National Register, 12 of them National Historic Landmarks.A historic districtThe College Hill Historic District, a National Historic Landmark, takes in 1,141 historic buildings.Then and now6 places photographed years apart.
★ What stands out · By decade

Providence, decade by decade

13 decades in the archive, from the 1780s to the 1960s. Scroll each row; tap a photo for its story.

1780s–1800s2 items
Providence Gazette, May 26, 17871787Providence Gazette, May 26, 1787DocumentView of Providence, Rhode Island1809View of Providence, Rhode Island
1850s–1870s5 items
Providence, R.I. view from the west bank of the river1858Providence, R.I. view from the west bank of the riverAtlantic Building, [Providence, Rhode Island]1863Atlantic Building, [Providence, Rhode Island]New England Agriculture Fair At Narraganset Park1867New England Agriculture Fair At Narraganset ParkFlagg’s Hair Storec. 1870Flagg’s Hair StoreMap of the city of1878Map of the city ofMap
1880s–1900s25 items
Household Sewing Machine1880sHousehold Sewing MachineProvidence original home-lots1886Providence original home-lotsBookProvidence old Union Station postcard (2)1890sProvidence old Union Station postcard (2)PostcardCourt House, Benefit Street, formerly State Normal School1900Court House, Benefit Street, formerly State Normal Sc…PostcardKnight Memorial Libary postcard LIB25501900Knight Memorial Libary postcard LIB2550PostcardPostcard of Slate Rock on the Seekonk River1900Postcard of Slate Rock on the Seekonk RiverPostcardProvidence RI market square ca1900 postcard1900Providence RI market square ca1900 postcardPostcardProvidence market square postcard ca19001900Providence market square postcard ca1900PostcardProvidence Athenaeum1900Providence AthenaeumThe Lake, Roger Williams Park1900The Lake, Roger Williams ParkAcademy Ave. Grammar School, Providence, R.I1901Academy Ave. Grammar School, Providence, R.IPostcardWestminster St1901Westminster StCentral Fire Station, Providence RI, 19031903Central Fire Station, Providence RI, 1903PostcardGorham Manufacturing Company (NBY 3298)1906Gorham Manufacturing Company (NBY 3298)PostcardIslandora 22232-St. Joseph's Hospital, Providence, R.I. OBJ1906Islandora 22232-St. Joseph's Hospital, Providence, R.…PostcardRhode Island Normal School1906Rhode Island Normal SchoolFox Point railroad curve postcardc. 1907Fox Point railroad curve postcardPostcardIslandora 22139-Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. OBJ1907Islandora 22139-Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. OBJPostcardIslandora 22409-Messer Street School, Providence, R.I. OBJ1907Islandora 22409-Messer Street School, Providence, R.I…PostcardTrains at west portal of East Side Railroad Tunnel - postcard1907–1915Trains at west portal of East Side Railroad Tunnel - …PostcardWest approach to the East Side Railroad Tunnel - postcard1907–1915West approach to the East Side Railroad Tunnel - post…PostcardMesser Street Grammar School, Providence, R. I. ca 19081908Messer Street Grammar School, Providence, R. I. ca 19…PostcardNew lift bridge, Seekonk Riverc. 1908New lift bridge, Seekonk RiverPostcardRhode Island Hospital postcard-ca19081908Rhode Island Hospital postcard-ca1908PostcardGano Street entrance to East Side Railroad Tunnel - 1909 postcardc. 1909Gano Street entrance to East Side Railroad Tunnel - 1…Postcard
1910s19 items
1150 - Providence, R .I. Union Stationc. 19101150 - Providence, R .I. Union StationPostcardFormer East Providence town hall 1910 postcard1910Former East Providence town hall 1910 postcardPostcardIslandora 20813-First Church of Christian Scientists, Providence, R.I. OBJ1910Islandora 20813-First Church of Christian Scientists,…PostcardIslandora 20825-Christian Scientist Church, Providence, R.I. OBJ1910Islandora 20825-Christian Scientist Church, Providenc…PostcardProvidence Church of the Holy Name1910Providence Church of the Holy NamePostcardProvidence RIc. 1910Providence RIPostcardProvidence postcard capitol Post Office courthouse ca 19101910Providence postcard capitol Post Office courthouse ca…PostcardSt Mary's Catholic Church1910St Mary's Catholic ChurchPostcardThe Seekonk River, from Fort Hillc. 1910The Seekonk River, from Fort HillPostcardVineyard Street Grammar School1910Vineyard Street Grammar SchoolPostcardRhode Island Normal School1910Rhode Island Normal SchoolEastbound train leaving East Side Railroad Tunnel - 1911 postcardc. 1911Eastbound train leaving East Side Railroad Tunnel - 1…PostcardUnion Station and State Capitol, Providence, R. Ic. 1911Union Station and State Capitol, Providence, R. IPostcardCentral-Fire-Station-Postcard 19121912Central-Fire-Station-Postcard 1912PostcardPostcard of Starve Goat Island in Providence RI Rhode Island aka as Starvegoat Island aka Starve-Goat Island aka Sunshi…1912Postcard of Starve Goat Island in Providence RI Rhode…PostcardProvidence City Hospital - Islandora 21407-New City Hospital Buildings, Providence, R.I. OBJ1912Providence City Hospital - Islandora 21407-New City H…PostcardWest portal of the East Side Railroad Tunnel - 1912 postcardc. 1912West portal of the East Side Railroad Tunnel - 1912 p…PostcardPostcardProvidenceRITurksHeadBuilding19131914PostcardProvidenceRITurksHeadBuilding1913PostcardFMIB 34865 Large Oyster House at Providence, R I, Showing Dredge Boat Unloading Oysters at Right and Elevator to Shell …1919FMIB 34865 Large Oyster House at Providence, R I, Sho…
1920s–1930s31 items
Columbus Square Color Postcardc. 1920Columbus Square Color PostcardPostcardProvidence RI; Columbus Park, Reservoir and Elmwood Avenues1920Providence RI; Columbus Park, Reservoir and Elmwood A…PostcardIslandora 21104-Citizens Savings Bank, Providence, Rhode Island OBJ1921Islandora 21104-Citizens Savings Bank, Providence, Rh…PostcardAmerican Legion Emblem, Roger Williams Park, Providence, R.I (66609)c. 1930American Legion Emblem, Roger Williams Park, Providen…PostcardBetsy Williams Cottage, Roger Williams Park, Providence, R.I (61955)c. 1930Betsy Williams Cottage, Roger Williams Park, Providen…PostcardBird's-eye view from Industrial Trust building, Providence, R.I (68748)c. 1930Bird's-eye view from Industrial Trust building, Provi…PostcardBoat house and lake, Roger Williams Park, Providence, R.I (61973)c. 1930Boat house and lake, Roger Williams Park, Providence,…PostcardCathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, Providence, R.I (64005)c. 1930Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, Providence, R.I …PostcardFloral Clock, Roger Williams Park, Providence, R.I (66610)c. 1930Floral Clock, Roger Williams Park, Providence, R.I (6…PostcardGates, Roger Williams Park, Providence, R.I (61964)c. 1930Gates, Roger Williams Park, Providence, R.I (61964)PostcardGeorgian Apartments, Georgian Court, Providence, R.I (80076)c. 1930Georgian Apartments, Georgian Court, Providence, R.I …PostcardGreater Providence Y. M. C. A. Bldg., Providence, R.I (88917)c. 1930Greater Providence Y. M. C. A. Bldg., Providence, R.I…PostcardGreetings from Providence, R.I (72672)c. 1930Greetings from Providence, R.I (72672)PostcardLa Salle Academy, Providence, R.I (68747)c. 1930La Salle Academy, Providence, R.I (68747)PostcardLyman Gymnasium, showing Marcus Aurelium Antoninius on back campus, Providence, R.I (61960)c. 1930Lyman Gymnasium, showing Marcus Aurelium Antoninius o…PostcardNathan Bishop Junior High School, Providence, R.I (61971)c. 1930Nathan Bishop Junior High School, Providence, R.I (61…PostcardNatural History Museum, Roger Williams Park, Providence, R.I (61953)c. 1930Natural History Museum, Roger Williams Park, Providen…PostcardProvidence College, Providence, R.I (61981)c. 1930Providence College, Providence, R.I (61981)PostcardRhode Island School of Design, Auditorium, showing insurance building, Providence, R.I (73291)c. 1930Rhode Island School of Design, Auditorium, showing in…PostcardSeals, Roger Williams Park, Providence, R.I (61954)c. 1930Seals, Roger Williams Park, Providence, R.I (61954)PostcardSitting room, Betsy Williams Cottage, Roger Williams Park, Providence, R.I (74509)c. 1930Sitting room, Betsy Williams Cottage, Roger Williams …PostcardSt. Patrick's Church, Providence, R.I (61956)c. 1930St. Patrick's Church, Providence, R.I (61956)PostcardState House Annex, Providence, R.I (61974)c. 1930State House Annex, Providence, R.I (61974)PostcardState House, Providence, R.I (61977)c. 1930State House, Providence, R.I (61977)PostcardThe Crown Hotel, Deep Sea Cocktail Lounge, Providence, Rhode Island (73710)c. 1930The Crown Hotel, Deep Sea Cocktail Lounge, Providence…PostcardV. F. W. Model Gift House of 1952, corner of Hope and Lewis streets, Providence, R.I (85100)c. 1930V. F. W. Model Gift House of 1952, corner of Hope and…PostcardView of Kent Reservoir, Scituate, R.I (68996)c. 1930View of Kent Reservoir, Scituate, R.I (68996)PostcardWestminster and Dorrance streets, Providence, R.I (61975)c. 1930Westminster and Dorrance streets, Providence, R.I (61…PostcardWeybosset Street, Providence, R.I (61972)c. 1930Weybosset Street, Providence, R.I (61972)PostcardY. M. C. A. building, Providence, R.I (61982)c. 1930Y. M. C. A. building, Providence, R.I (61982)PostcardTercentenary arch, erected by The Outlet Company, Providence, RI 19361936Tercentenary arch, erected by The Outlet Company, Pro…Postcard
1940s17 items
Snow1940SnowSnow1940SnowSnow in downtown Providence, Rhode Island1940Snow in downtown Providence, Rhode IslandSnow in downtown Providence, Rhode Island1940Snow in downtown Providence, Rhode IslandSnow in downtown Providence, Rhode Island1940Snow in downtown Providence, Rhode IslandRain and snow1940Rain and snowHanging Christmas decorations1940Hanging Christmas decorationsOn a rainy day1940On a rainy daySnow and slush in downtown Providence, Rhode Island1940Snow and slush in downtown Providence, Rhode IslandCrowds in downtown section of Providence, Rhode Island1940Crowds in downtown section of Providence, Rhode IslandA window display for Christmas sale. Providence, Rhode Island1940A window display for Christmas sale. Providence, Rhod…An Italian farm woman near Providence, Rhode Island preparing spaghetti1940An Italian farm woman near Providence, Rhode Island p…Christmas trees for sale at the market. Providence, Rhode Island1940Christmas trees for sale at the market. Providence, R…Untitled photo, possibly related to: Snow1940Untitled photo, possibly related to: SnowUntitled photo, possibly related to: Snow1940Untitled photo, possibly related to: SnowUntitled photo, possibly related to: Snow1940Untitled photo, possibly related to: SnowUntitled photo, possibly related to: Snow1940Untitled photo, possibly related to: Snow
1960s1 item
Childrens amusement area at Roger Williams Park - 1960s postcard1960sChildrens amusement area at Roger Williams Park - 196…Postcard
1970s–1990snothing yet
Nothing in the archives for these yearsWeddings on Main Street, storms, parades, school pictures, the old store. If it’s in your family album, it belongs here.
Add from your album
Date unknown24 to date
Acarde, built 1828, Jones's Stores (NBY 2823)Date?Acarde, built 1828, Jones's Stores (NBY 2823)PostcardAlphabetical index of births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of births, marriages and deaths, r…BookAlphabetical index of births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of births, marriages and deaths, r…BookAlphabetical index of births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of births, marriages and deaths, r…BookAlphabetical index of births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of births, marriages and deaths, r…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…BookAlphabetical index of the births, marriages and deaths, recorded in ProvidenceDate?Alphabetical index of the births, marriages and death…Book
Today24 recent
View from Fort Hill showing four bridges across the Seekonk River2016View from Fort Hill showing four bridges across the S…PostcardGreetings from Providence, Rhode Island - Large Letter Postcard2016Greetings from Providence, Rhode Island - Large Lette…DocumentWashington Bridge (1885), connecting Providence and East2015Washington Bridge (1885), connecting Providence and E…PostcardRed Bridge (1895), E2015Red Bridge (1895), EPostcardBridges over the Seekonk River, East2015Bridges over the Seekonk River, EastPostcardWashington Bridge (1885)2014Washington Bridge (1885)PostcardView from Fort Hill, showing four bridges across the Seekonk River2014View from Fort Hill, showing four bridges across the …PostcardSecond Point Street Bridge2014Second Point Street BridgePostcardRed Bridge (1895)2014Red Bridge (1895)PostcardRed Bridge (1895) and Seekonk River2014Red Bridge (1895) and Seekonk RiverPostcardRailroad bridge and Fort Hill2014Railroad bridge and Fort HillPostcardOld Washington Bridge, East2014Old Washington Bridge, EastPostcardBirds eye view Seekonk River from Fort Hill2014Birds eye view Seekonk River from Fort HillPostcardGreetings from Providence, Rhode Island - Large Letter Postcards2013Greetings from Providence, Rhode Island - Large Lette…DocumentGreetings from Providence, Rhode Island - Large Letter Postcard2013Greetings from Providence, Rhode Island - Large Lette…DocumentGreetings from Providence, Rhode Island - Large Letter Postcard2012Greetings from Providence, Rhode Island - Large Lette…DocumentGreetings from Providence, Rhode Island - Large Letter Postcard2012Greetings from Providence, Rhode Island - Large Lette…DocumentGreetings from Providence, Rhode Island - Large Letter Postcard2010Greetings from Providence, Rhode Island - Large Lette…DocumentGreetings from Providence, Rhode Island - Large Letter Postcard2010Greetings from Providence, Rhode Island - Large Lette…DocumentLobby, John O. Pastore Federal Building2008Lobby, John O. Pastore Federal BuildingExterior, John O. Pastore Federal Building2008Exterior, John O. Pastore Federal BuildingDetail, John O. Pastore Federal Building2008Detail, John O. Pastore Federal BuildingArchitectural detail on building in downtown Providence, Rhode Island2007Architectural detail on building in downtown Providen…FW Woolworth store2007FW Woolworth storePostcard
On the National Register

166 listings protect 6,106 historic buildings

The country’s official list of buildings and places worth saving. 12 are National Historic Landmarks, the highest tier. Boundary changes and added documentation are counted with their listing.

places listed
166
National Historic Landmarks
12
First Baptist Meetinghouse
historic buildings protected
6,106
each building in a district counts
first listed
1966
First Baptist Meetinghouse
Roger Williams National Memorial, built 1966Roger Williams Park Historic DistrictCharles Brackett HouseRhode Island Statehouse, built 1904Sixth District CourthouseState ArsenalMoshassuck SquareWoods-Gerry HouseCongdon Street Baptist Church, built 1874Edward Dexter HouseJoseph and William Russell HouseElizabeth BuildingBeneficent Congregational Church, built 1809George M. Bradley HouseArnold-Palmer House, built 1826Federal BuildingMarket HouseU.S. Customshouse, built 1855Joseph Haile HouseNathaniel Pearce HouseTrinity Square Repertory Theatre, built 1964Grace Church, built 1829Brick SchoolhouseHope-Power-Cooke Streets Historic DistrictSt. Stephen's ChurchThomas F. Hoppin HouseUnion Trust Company BuildingDr. George W. Carr HouseWilliam L. Bailey HouseBell Street ChapelCandace Allen House, built 1818Stimson Avenue Historic DistrictEsek Hopkins House, built 1756Broadway-Armory Historic DistrictJohn Corliss HouseWinsor-Swan-Whitman FarmSt. Joseph's Roman Catholic ChurchProvidence City Hall, built 1878Cathedral of Saints Peter and PaulCustomhouse Historic DistrictUnion StationHope Block and CheapsideWitherby, Constance, ParkChrist Episcopal ChurchShepard Company BuildingButler HospitalJeremiah Dexter HouseRhode Island Hospital Trust BuildingSt. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, Convent, Rectory, and SchoolProvidence-Biltmore Hotel, built 1922First Universalist ChurchIsrael B. Mason HouseLoew's State TheatreNorth Burial GroundSwan Point Cemetery, built 1846Merchants Bank BuildingMatthew Lynch HouseDavid Sprague HousePine Street Historic DistrictSwan Point Cemetery and Trolley ShelterDyerville MillShakespeare HallAll Saints Memorial Church, built 1869Calvary Baptist ChurchElmwood Historic DistrictJones WarehousesNew England Butt CompanyParkis-Comstock Historic DistrictRichard Henry Deming HouseTrinity Square Historic DistrictA. F. Cappelli Block, built 1909Davol Rubber CompanyBrown, Moses, School, built 1784Aylesworth ApartmentsHay and Owen BuildingsRhodes Street Historic DistrictWesleyan Avenue Historic DistrictProvidence Telephone CompanyWanskuck Historic DistrictDowntown Providence Historic DistrictAndrew Dickhaut Cottages Historic DistrictCharles Dowler HouseGloria Dei Evangelical Lutheran ChurchSmith Street Primary SchoolRhode Island Medical Society BuildingOakland Avenue Historic DistrictPekin Street Historic DistrictProvidence Jewelry Manufacturing Historic DistrictProvidence Lying-In HospitalAmerican Street SchoolBridgham-Arch-Wilson Streets Historic DistrictTemple Beth-ElChemical Building, Fields Point Sewage Treatment PlantErnest Street Sewage Pumping StationReservoir Avenue Sewage Pumping Station, built 1931Return Sludge Pumping Station, Fields Point Sewage Treatment PlantSludge Press House, Fields Point Sewage Treatment PlantWashington Park Sewage Pumping StationOlney Street-Alumni Avenue Historic DistrictSons of Jacob SynagogueDoyle Avenue Historic DistrictOur Lady of Lourdes Church ComplexBurrows BlockMorris Brown HouseSmith Hill Historic DistrictVeterans Memorial Auditorium-Masonic TempleZachariah Allen HouseFreeman Plat Historic DistrictSaint Martin's ChurchOntario ApartmentsRochambeau Branch-Providence Public LibrarySmith Hill Branch-Providence Public LibrarySouth Providence Branch-Providence Public LibraryWanskuck Branch-Providence Public LibraryLadd Observatory, built 1891Columbus, built 1893Brown and Sharpe Manufacturing Company ComplexWestminster Street Historic DistrictNational and Providence Worsted MillsPoirier's Diner, built 1947Summit Historic DistrictPerkins BuildingsLouttit LaundryRhode Island Tool CompanyProvidence Dyeing, Bleaching, Calendring CompanyElmgrove Gardens Historic DistrictProvidence Fruit and Produce Warehouse Company BuildingNicholson File Company Mill ComplexProvidence Steel and Iron Company Complex, built 1902United States Rubber Company Mill ComplexWayland Historic DistrictOriental MillsBeaman and Smith Company MillSouth Street StationEarnscliffe Woolen-Paragon Worsted Company Mill ComplexProvidence Gas Company Purifier HouseWeybosset Mills ComplexGeneral Ice Cream Corporation BuildingBlackstone Boulevard-Cole Avenue-Grotto Avenue Historic DistrictCentral DinerSusan S. & Edward J. Cutler HouseAmerican Brewing Company PlantBraitsch, William J. and Company, PlantRochambeau Worsted Company MillUnited States Post Office AnnexPlymouth Congregational Church, built 1915Stedman & Fuller Manufacturing Company Complex, built 1885Power Street-Cooke Street Historic DistrictPlain Farm HouseBlackstone Boulevard Realty Plat Historic District, built 1923Blackstone Park Historic DistrictProvidence Jewelry Manufacturing DistrictState Home and School for Dependent and Neglected Children Historic DistrictCopley ChambersNeutaconkanut Hill Park Historic DistrictFirst Baptist Meetinghouse★University Hall, Brown University★John Brown House, built 1788★Gov. Stephen Hopkins House★College Hill Historic District★Corliss-Carrington House★Thomas P. Ives House★Arcade, The★Gov. Henry Lippitt House, built 1862★Nelson W. Aldrich House★Nightingale-Brown House★Fleur-de-Lis Studios★
BuildingsDistrictsSitesStructuresObjects★ landmark

Architectural styles listings

Colonial Revival20
Greek Revival18
Queen Anne17
Italianate16
Gothic13
Federal11
★ Landmark
First Baptist MeetinghouseGeorgian
★ Landmark
University Hall, Brown UniversityGeorgian
★ Landmark
John Brown HouseLate Georgian · Built 1788
★ Landmark
Gov. Stephen Hopkins HouseBuilding
★ Landmark
College Hill Historic DistrictDistrict
★ Landmark
Corliss-Carrington HouseAdamesque
★ Landmark
Thomas P. Ives HouseAdamesque
★ Landmark
Arcade, TheGreek Revival
All 167 listings
Gov. Henry Lippitt HouseBuilding · listed 1972Nelson W. Aldrich HouseBuilding · listed 1976Nightingale-Brown HouseBuilding · listed 1989Fleur-de-Lis StudiosBuilding · listed 1992Roger Williams National MemorialSite · listed 1966Roger Williams Park Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1966Charles Brackett HouseBuilding · listed 1970Rhode Island StatehouseBuilding · listed 1970Sixth District CourthouseBuilding · listed 1970State ArsenalBuilding · listed 1970Moshassuck SquareDistrict · listed 1970Woods-Gerry HouseBuilding · listed 1971Congdon Street Baptist ChurchBuilding · listed 1971Edward Dexter HouseBuilding · listed 1971Joseph and William Russell HouseBuilding · listed 1971Elizabeth BuildingBuilding · listed 1971Beneficent Congregational ChurchBuilding · listed 1972George M. Bradley HouseBuilding · listed 1972Arnold-Palmer HouseBuilding · listed 1972Federal BuildingBuilding · listed 1972Market HouseBuilding · listed 1972U.S. CustomshouseBuilding · listed 1972Joseph Haile HouseBuilding · listed 1972Nathaniel Pearce HouseBuilding · listed 1972Trinity Square Repertory TheatreBuilding · listed 1972Grace ChurchBuilding · listed 1972Brick SchoolhouseBuilding · listed 1972Hope-Power-Cooke Streets Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1973St. Stephen's ChurchBuilding · listed 1973Thomas F. Hoppin HouseBuilding · listed 1973Union Trust Company BuildingBuilding · listed 1973Dr. George W. Carr HouseBuilding · listed 1973William L. Bailey HouseBuilding · listed 1973Bell Street ChapelBuilding · listed 1973Candace Allen HouseBuilding · listed 1973Stimson Avenue Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1973Esek Hopkins HouseBuilding · listed 1973Broadway-Armory Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1974John Corliss HouseBuilding · listed 1974Winsor-Swan-Whitman FarmBuilding · listed 1974St. Joseph's Roman Catholic ChurchBuilding · listed 1974Providence City HallBuilding · listed 1975Cathedral of Saints Peter and PaulBuilding · listed 1975Customhouse Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1975Union StationBuilding · listed 1975Hope Block and CheapsideBuilding · listed 1975Witherby, Constance, ParkStructure · listed 1975Christ Episcopal ChurchBuilding · listed 1976Shepard Company BuildingBuilding · listed 1976Butler HospitalBuilding · listed 1976Jeremiah Dexter HouseBuilding · listed 1976Rhode Island Hospital Trust BuildingBuilding · listed 1976St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, Convent, Rectory, and SchoolBuilding · listed 1977Providence-Biltmore HotelBuilding · listed 1977First Universalist ChurchBuilding · listed 1977Israel B. Mason HouseBuilding · listed 1977Loew's State TheatreBuilding · listed 1977North Burial GroundSite · listed 1977Swan Point CemeterySite · listed 1977Merchants Bank BuildingBuilding · listed 1977Matthew Lynch HouseBuilding · listed 1978David Sprague HouseBuilding · listed 1978Pine Street Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1978Swan Point Cemetery and Trolley ShelterStructure · listed 1978Dyerville MillBuilding · listed 1979Shakespeare HallBuilding · listed 1979All Saints Memorial ChurchBuilding · listed 1980Calvary Baptist ChurchBuilding · listed 1980Elmwood Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1980Jones WarehousesBuilding · listed 1980New England Butt CompanyBuilding · listed 1980Parkis-Comstock Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1980Richard Henry Deming HouseBuilding · listed 1980Trinity Square Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1980A. F. Cappelli BlockBuilding · listed 1980Davol Rubber CompanyBuilding · listed 1980Brown, Moses, SchoolBuilding · listed 1980Aylesworth ApartmentsBuilding · listed 1982Hay and Owen BuildingsBuilding · listed 1982Rhodes Street Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1982Wesleyan Avenue Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1982Providence Telephone CompanyBuilding · listed 1983Wanskuck Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1983Downtown Providence Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1984Andrew Dickhaut Cottages Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1984Charles Dowler HouseBuilding · listed 1984Gloria Dei Evangelical Lutheran ChurchBuilding · listed 1984Smith Street Primary SchoolBuilding · listed 1984Rhode Island Medical Society BuildingBuilding · listed 1984Oakland Avenue Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1984Pekin Street Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1984Providence Jewelry Manufacturing Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1985Providence Lying-In HospitalBuilding · listed 1986American Street SchoolBuilding · listed 1987Bridgham-Arch-Wilson Streets Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1988Temple Beth-ElBuilding · listed 1988Chemical Building, Fields Point Sewage Treatment PlantBuilding · listed 1989Ernest Street Sewage Pumping StationBuilding · listed 1989Reservoir Avenue Sewage Pumping StationBuilding · listed 1989Return Sludge Pumping Station, Fields Point Sewage Treatment PlantBuilding · listed 1989Sludge Press House, Fields Point Sewage Treatment PlantBuilding · listed 1989Washington Park Sewage Pumping StationBuilding · listed 1989Olney Street-Alumni Avenue Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1989Sons of Jacob SynagogueBuilding · listed 1989Doyle Avenue Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1990Our Lady of Lourdes Church ComplexBuilding · listed 1990Burrows BlockBuilding · listed 1990Morris Brown HouseBuilding · listed 1991Smith Hill Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1993Veterans Memorial Auditorium-Masonic TempleBuilding · listed 1993Zachariah Allen HouseBuilding · listed 1994Freeman Plat Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1995Saint Martin's ChurchBuilding · listed 1996Ontario ApartmentsBuilding · listed 1998Rochambeau Branch-Providence Public LibraryBuilding · listed 1998Smith Hill Branch-Providence Public LibraryBuilding · listed 1998South Providence Branch-Providence Public LibraryBuilding · listed 1998Wanskuck Branch-Providence Public LibraryBuilding · listed 1998Ladd ObservatoryBuilding · listed 2000ColumbusObject · listed 2001Brown and Sharpe Manufacturing Company ComplexBuilding · listed 2003Westminster Street Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 2003National and Providence Worsted MillsBuilding · listed 2003Poirier's DinerBuilding · listed 2003Summit Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 2003Perkins BuildingsBuilding · listed 2004Louttit LaundryBuilding · listed 2004Rhode Island Tool CompanyBuilding · listed 2004Providence Dyeing, Bleaching, Calendring CompanyBuilding · listed 2004Elmgrove Gardens Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 2005Providence Fruit and Produce Warehouse Company BuildingBuilding · listed 2005Nicholson File Company Mill ComplexBuilding · listed 2005Providence Steel and Iron Company ComplexBuilding · listed 2005United States Rubber Company Mill ComplexBuilding · listed 2005Wayland Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 2005Oriental MillsBuilding · listed 2005Beaman and Smith Company MillBuilding · listed 2006South Street StationBuilding · listed 2006Earnscliffe Woolen-Paragon Worsted Company Mill ComplexBuilding · listed 2007Providence Gas Company Purifier HouseBuilding · listed 2007Weybosset Mills ComplexDistrict · listed 2008General Ice Cream Corporation BuildingBuilding · listed 2008Blackstone Boulevard-Cole Avenue-Grotto Avenue Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 2009Central DinerBuilding · listed 2010Susan S. & Edward J. Cutler HouseBuilding · listed 2015American Brewing Company PlantBuilding · listed 2016Braitsch, William J. and Company, PlantBuilding · listed 2016Rochambeau Worsted Company MillBuilding · listed 2017United States Post Office AnnexBuilding · listed 2017Plymouth Congregational ChurchBuilding · listed 2021Stedman & Fuller Manufacturing Company ComplexBuilding · listed 2021Power Street-Cooke Street Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1974Plain Farm HouseBuilding · listed 1980Blackstone Boulevard Realty Plat Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1995Blackstone Park Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 1998Providence Jewelry Manufacturing DistrictDistrict · listed 2012State Home and School for Dependent and Neglected Children Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 2019Copley ChambersBuilding · listed 2026Neutaconkanut Hill Park Historic DistrictDistrict · listed 2026

National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places. Photos from Wikimedia Commons, credited on each place’s page.

The story

How Providence came to be

From Wikipedia’s history of Providence.

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Providence was settled in June 1636 by Puritan theologian Roger Williams and grew into one of the original Thirteen Colonies. As a minister in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Williams had advocated the separation of church and state and condemned colonists' confiscation of land from the Indians. For these and other "diverse, new, and dangerous opinions," he was convicted of sedition and heresy and banished from the colony. Williams and others established a settlement in Rumford, Rhode Island. The group later moved down the Seekonk River, around Fox Point and up the Providence River to the confluence of the Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket Rivers. The settlement was named after "God's merciful Providence".

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

From the old history books

What they wrote about Providence, 1896–1909

Passages that mention Providence, cut from the printed page as they were published.

THE town of North Providence, within whose limits is located the village of Centerdale, was at one time, or until 1765, a part of the territory of the town of Providence, which originally embraced nearly all of Providence county; but as the country became more thickly settled, desire for separate t…
Annals of Centerdale in the town of North Providence, Rhode Island1909 · page 183Read the page →
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THE town of North Providence, within whose limits is located the village of Centerdale, was at one time, or until 1765, a part of the territory of the town of Providence, which originally embraced nearly all of Providence county; but as the country became more thickly settled, desire for separate townships were manifest on all sides ; the farming districts believing they could more economically manage their local affairs if they were separated from

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in other words the village of Pawtucket) to the town of Pawtucket, then located on the east side of the river (this section was afterwards incorporated as the city of Pawtucket in 1885) and returning to the city of Providence the territory now designated as the tenth ward. How wise or advantageous …
Annals of Centerdale in the town of North Providence, Rhode Island1909 · page 184Read the page →
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in other words the village of Pawtucket) to the town of Pawtucket, then located on the east side of the river (this section was afterwards incorporated as the city of Pawtucket in 1885) and returning to the city of Providence the territory now designated as the tenth ward. How wise or advantageous this act has proven, with the experience of later years, to the rural towns, is a question of diverse opinions.

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ing died in 1883. Besides his insurance business and connections, Mr. Barker is President of the Rhode Island Investment Company, a corporation owning large business properties in Providence, and of the Roger Williams Savings Fund Loan Association, a very successful institution having assets invest…
Men of progress1896 · page 159Read the page →
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ing died in 1883. Besides his insurance business and connections, Mr. Barker is President of the Rhode Island Investment Company, a corporation owning large business properties in Providence, and of the Roger Williams Savings Fund Loan Association, a very successful institution having assets invested in mortgages in the city of Providence and its immediate vicinity to the extent of about a

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the Neptune Line of steamers running between Providence and New York. After four years or more of efficient service in this office he was chosen, in 1873, Assistant Superintendent of the New York, Providence & Boston Railroad, and five years later was elevated to the position of Superintendent. The…
Men of progress1896 · page 234Read the page →
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the Neptune Line of steamers running between Providence and New York. After four years or more of efficient service in this office he was chosen, in 1873, Assistant Superintendent of the New York, Providence & Boston Railroad, and five years later was elevated to the position of Superintendent. The Providence & Worcester Railroad having been leased to the New York, Providence &

Text read by machine from the scan; it may contain errors.

Scans and text from the Internet Archive. Books published in 1930 or earlier, which are in the public domain.

Timeline

Providence, 1636 to 1921

Woven from the archive, old maps, post office records, the National Register and the people born here.

  1. 17th century
  2. 1636
    FoundingProvidence is established
  3. 18th century
  4. 1773Post officeThe Providence post office opens
  5. 1787In the archiveProvidence Gazette, May 26, 1787
  6. 1788BuiltJohn Brown House is built
  7. 19th century
  8. 1809In the archiveView of Providence, Rhode Island
  9. 1847Post officeThe Simmonsville post office opens
  10. 1849Post officeThe Manton post office opens
  11. 1850Post officeThe Simmonsville post office closes
  12. 1858In the archiveProvidence, R.I. view from the west bank of the river
  13. 1862BuiltGov. Henry Lippitt House is built
  14. 1863In the archiveAtlantic Building, [Providence, Rhode Island]
  15. 1870In the archiveFlagg’s Hair Store
  16. 1880In the archiveHousehold Sewing Machine
  17. 1890Born hereH. P. Lovecraft is born here
  18. 1894On the mapFirst mapped by the U.S. Geological Survey
  19. 20th century
  20. 1904BuiltRhode Island Statehouse is built
  21. 1905Post officeThe Manton post office closes
  22. 1921Born hereAaron Beck is born here
On the map

Providence on the map, 1894 to 1996

Every edition of the U.S. Geological Survey’s map of Providence. Tap a year, or press play to watch the town change.

Providence on the 1894 USGS mapProvidence on the 1935 USGS mapProvidence on the 1957 USGS mapProvidence on the 1970 USGS mapProvidence on the 1987 USGS mapProvidence on the 1996 USGS map1894Providence sheet · 1:62,500

U.S. Geological Survey historical topographic maps (public domain), via Esri’s collection of the scans. The red ring marks the center of Providence.

Every building

Providence, building by building, 1889–1921

Fire insurance maps drew every building, what it was made of and what it was used for, so insurers could price the risk of fire. Pick a year, then a sheet.

Providence fire insurance map, 1889, sheet 21889Sheet 2 of 71
Edition
BrickWoodStone

Sanborn Map Company, via the Library of Congress. Editions published in 1930 or earlier, which are in the public domain.

Then & now

The same spot, years apart

Drag across each photo to compare.

Union StationProvidence old Union Station postcard (2)1890sToday
Providence old Union Station postcard (2)Matched from the two captions
Roger Williams ParkGates, Roger Williams Park, Providence, R.I (61964)c. 1930Today
Gates, Roger Williams Park, Providence, R.I (61964)Matched from the two captions
Birds eye view Seekonk River from Fort HillThe Seekonk River, from Fort Hillc. 19102014
The Seekonk River, from Fort HillMatched from the two captions
People over time

Providence, census by census

020,00040,00060,00080,000100,000120,000140,000160,000180,000200,000220,000240,000260,000280,00018001850190019502000Peak: 253,504

Between 6,380 and 253,504 people in every census since 1790.

24 censuses, 1790–2020.

U.S. Census Bureau decennial counts, from the census table on Providence’s Wikipedia page.

Famous people

39 famous people were born in Providence

Writers, athletes, leaders and more, ranked by how widely they’re known.

See all →
H. P. LovecraftAmerican writer and editor · b. 1890
Cormac McCarthyAmerican novelist, playwright, and screenwriter · b. 1933
Damien ChazelleFrench-American filmmaker · b. 1985
Aaron BeckAmerican psychiatrist, researcher, therapist · b. 1921
John Bates ClarkAmerican neoclassical economist · b. 1847
Jason MarsdenAmerican actor · b. 1975
Places that used to be

Lost post offices, old corners, places now gone and burying grounds

Providence’s post office has been open since 1773. Three other post offices opened and closed inside today’s town.

Providence
1773–today
Simmonsville
1847–1850
Manton
1849–1905
Olneyville
1850–1900
17701900today
Hamlets and corners on the map
Christian HillCork HillDyervilleElmwoodFoxes HillMantonMerinoOlneyvilleSilver LakeWanskuckWashington ParkWatchemoket
Gone or out of use
Aldrich FieldparkBenefit Street SchoolschoolBrick School HouseschoolChapel of the Ministry at LargechurchChurch of the SaviorchurchColony HousebuildingCorliss ParkparkDexter AsylumhospitalDyerville MilllocaleErnest Street Pump StationbuildingFort SullivanmilitaryFox Hill FortmilitaryFroebel HallbuildingFroebel SchoolschoolFuller Iron WorkslocaleGlobe TavernbuildingGrace ChurchchurchHackers Wharflocale
14cemeteries and burying grounds inside Providence
Elder Pardon Tillinghast LotGrace ChurchJoseph Williams LotLocust GroveNorthProvidence CollegeRichard Thornton LotSaint John'sSaint Patrick'sSolomon Angell LotSons of David and IsraelSons of David and Israel Cemetery Providence Historical Cemetery 4Swan PointWaterman - Henry Lot

US Post Offices dataset (Blevins & Helbock, CC0). Places and cemeteries from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (2021).

Help out

Finish Providence’s story

Most archives stop around 1920. The photos from after that are in family albums, not libraries.

Decades since 1900 with photos
00s10s20s30s40s50s60s70s80s90s
6 of 10 decades. The empty ones are waiting for someone’s album.
Date a photo24 archive items have no date. Guess the decade.+2Retake an old viewView of Providence, Rhode Island: stand where they stood+15Share a family photoSign in to add one+10
Stories next door

History across the town line

Each neighbor’s History grade, on the same three inputs.

East Providence24 historic placesB+Johnston11 historic placesA−Cranston23 historic placesANorth Providence9 historic placesB+Pawtucket57 historic placesA+

Questions about Providence’s history

What year was Providence founded?

In 1636, according to Wikidata and Wikipedia’s history of the town. Providence’s post office opened in 1773, and the first U.S. census counted 6,380 people here in 1790.

How does Providence rank for history?

Providence is among the most historic 1% of U.S. towns, #2 of 38 in Rhode Island. The History grade combines the town’s founding era, the share of homes built before 1940 and its National Register listings. It’s a character grade, so it isn’t part of the overall grade. How it works.

What is on the National Register in Providence?

166 listings, 12 of them National Historic Landmarks: 125 buildings, among them the First Baptist Meetinghouse (a National Historic Landmark since 1960), 36 historic districts with 5,823 contributing buildings, 3 sites, 2 structures, and 1 object. 6,106 historic buildings in all.

How old are the homes in Providence?

55% of Providence’s homes were built before 1940 (Census estimate, ±2.1 points), against a typical 20% for a Rhode Island town; the median home was built in 1938.

Memory lane

What the archives can’t tell you, neighbors can.

Town Square →
Start a conversation
Sources

Where this page comes from

Founding dates: Wikidata, Wikipedia, the U.S. post office records of Blevins & Helbock (CC0) and the Census. Homes by year built: Census ACS 2020–24. National Register of Historic Places: National Park Service (list of May 22, 2026). Old photos, postcards and papers: Wikimedia Commons, the Library of Congress and other public archives, credited on each item’s page. Maps: U.S. Geological Survey historical topographic maps (via Esri) and Sanborn fire-insurance maps (Library of Congress). History text and census tables: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Places that used to be: USGS Geographic Names Information System (2021).

From Wikimedia Commons (120), the Library of Congress (28), Wikidata (96), the National Register of Historic Places (167), Wikipedia, Wikidata and Wikipedia for famous people, U.S. Geological Survey historical maps, U.S. Census counts (via Wikipedia), the US Post Offices dataset (Blevins & Helbock), the USGS Geographic Names Information System, Sanborn fire insurance maps (Library of Congress) and old county and town histories (Internet Archive). Archive images are copied here with their credits and licenses, shown on each photo’s page. Refreshed monthly.