About Newport, Rhode Island
Colonial capital of Rhode Island, which was the 1st of the 13 colonies to declare its independence
Newport, Rhode Island was founded in 1639 on Aquidneck Island, which was called Rhode Island at the time. Its eight founders and first officers were Nicholas Easton, William Coddington, John Clarke, John Coggeshall, William Brenton, Jeremy Clark, Thomas Hazard, and Henry Bull.
They were a group of religious refugees from Massachusetts who had settled at the northern end of the island and founded the present town. Newport was the colonial capital of Rhode Island, which was the first of the thirteen colonies to declare its independence from England on May 4th, 1776.
They say Rhode Island is especially haunted because it was one of the 13 original colonies and the native American souls are still not at rest. Newport helped lead the way toward the Revolution and independence.
The British occupied Newport from 1776 to 1779, forcing over half of the town's population to flee. The British remained in Newport despite efforts to drive them out by patriot forces and eventually the British did withdraw.
Because the city was such a well-known hot-bed of revolutionary fervor, and because of its long history of disdain for royal and parliamentary efforts to control its trade, the British occupied Newport from 1776 to 1779, and over half of the town’s population fled.
Newport’s history is remarkable in many ways, but perhaps the most unique aspect is the fact that so much of its history is still visible on the landscape in an impressive concentration of preserved architecture.
Many properties in Newport, Rhode Island were listed on the National Register of Historic Places after surveys were conducted following the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966.
Newport is home to the oldest ballpark in America, Cardines Field. The town also has one of the highest concentration of colonial homes in the nation. Newport also has the Touro Synagogue, the oldest in the United States.
One of Newport's most famed attractions, Cliff Walk affords breathtaking scenery with 3.5 miles of rocky coastline and crashing waves on one side, and stunning Gilded Age mansions on the other.
Newport hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, food and wine festivals, and sailing regattas. The Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival are particularly well-known and draw top musical acts from around the world. The annual Newport Winter Festival is also a popular event. Smithsonian Magazine named Newport as one of the "15 Best Small Towns To Visit" in 2022.
Today, Newport's historic downtown area features cobblestone streets, colonial-era buildings, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene. Visitors can explore art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants serving fresh seafood and other local specialties.
Newport Harbor is a bustling waterfront area lined with shops, restaurants, and marinas. Visitors can take boat tours, go sailing, or simply stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the views.
Overall, Newport, Rhode Island, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking a coastal getaway with plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy.