The following is a tour of some significant historical sites in Providence that are related to Sons of Providence.
John Brown House – 52 Power St – The John Brown House is the first mansion built in Providence, Rhode Island. The house is named after the original owner and one of the early benefactors of the University, the early American merchant and statesman John Brown.
The Nightingale–Brown House – 357 Benefit St – In 1792 Captain Joseph Nightingale built the house. In 1814 Nicholas Brown, Jr. purchased the home.
Water Street Marker – Water St – The site of an 18th century seaport village where seafaring merchants participated in the African slave trade. In the 20th century this port was used by Cape Verdeans who came to live in America.
Sabin Tavern – S. Main St – A monument now stands in place of Sabin Tavern. The inscription on the monument says, “Sons of Liberty: Upon this corner stood Sabin Tavern in which on the evening of June 9th 1772 the party and organized to destroy the H.R.M. schooner Gaspee. In the destruction of which was shed the first blood in the American Revolution.”
Stephan Hopkins House – 15 Hopkins St – Stephan Hopkins was ten times Governor of Rhode Island, Chancellor of Brown University, and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Weybosset Bridge – College St – The first bridge across the Providence River was erected in 1660.
Providence Locals Burned British Tea – S. Main St – Near this spot the men and women of Providence showed their resistance to the unfair taxation by burning British Taxed tea in the night March 2nd 1775.
First Town House – S. Main St – On this lot stood the first town house of Providence.
First Baptist Church – 75 N Main St – The oldest Baptist Churchin America.
John Carter’s Providence Gazette – 21 Meeting St – Built by publisher John Carter in 1772 to house the printing press of the Providence Gazette, the post office and a bookshop as well as Carter’s growing family.
Meeting Street School – 24 Meeting St – This building was erected in 1769 as a public school house by the town and its properties. Occupied by Brown University in 1770.
Court House – S. Court St – The construction of this building was begun in 1760 and first occupied in 1762. Was used as Court and State House by the Colony and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations until the year 1900.
University Hall – 19 Prospect St – The University Hall (1770) at Brown University is the first and oldest building on campus.