As one of the original colonies, the state of Rhode Island is absolutely packed with history. Whether in the form of monuments, architecture, museums, or even cemeteries, it is hard to find a spot in little Rhodey without deep ties to the past. If you want to see some amazing examples of old architecture and feel truly immersed in history, there is a spot in Providence that everyone should visit at least once.
The East Side of Providence is well known for all of its gorgeous homes.
Shinya Suzuki/Flickr
With an eclectic mix of colonial and early federal buildings, as well as later 19th and 20th century erections, you really feel like you’ve stepped back into colonial Rhode Island history when you visit the East Side.
Shinya Suzuki/Flickr
And there’s no place you can expect to feel the sensation of stepping out of a time machine more than on the Mile of History.
Shinya Suzuki/Flickr
Located on Benefit Street (and a few surrounding side streets) resides one of the largest collections of unmoved Colonial homes in the country.
Shinya Suzuki/Flickr
Many of these homes are plaqued with the names of their original owners and the date the home was built. So while you’re admiring the architecture, make sure to keep an eye our for these informative rectangles.
Shinya Suzuki/Flickr
The oldest house on the block was built in 1763 on a Huguenot graveyard.
Matt/Flickr Many rumors were spread about the home being cursed after it was built, and those rumors led to H.P Lovecraft writing his famed short story, The Shunned House, about this beautiful old home.
Along the Mile of History, you can also find the home of poet Sarah Helen Whitman who had a torrid love affair with Edgar Allen Poe.
Will hart/Flickr You can also keep your eyes peeled for the site of the hotel Poe used to stay at when visiting Sarah. It’s just a parking lot now, but the memories are still there and very much alive.
Of course we have to mention the Athenaeum as well. One of the oldest lending libraries in America, it is said that if you drink from the fountain outside its gates, you will always return to Providence.
zemistor/Flickr
Each home on the Mile of History is so stunning, and with a parklet to take a seat in and some good restaurants on the block, this mile makes for an ideal stroll.
Shinya Suzuki/Flickr
With all the great dining, shopping, and entertainment that Providence has to offer, you can easily fit a visit to the Mile of History into a day full of fun and adventure in the capitol city. Are you excited to make the visit? Take a look at this article about Providence to find other stops to add on to your trip!
Shinya Suzuki/Flickr
Matt/Flickr
Many rumors were spread about the home being cursed after it was built, and those rumors led to H.P Lovecraft writing his famed short story, The Shunned House, about this beautiful old home.
Will hart/Flickr
You can also keep your eyes peeled for the site of the hotel Poe used to stay at when visiting Sarah. It’s just a parking lot now, but the memories are still there and very much alive.
zemistor/Flickr
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Address: Benefit Street, Benefit St, Providence, RI, USA
