Newport, Rhode Island is known for its remarkable collection of 18th century houses, buildings, and historic sites, which rivals any town along the eastern seaboard. In fact, Newport’s historic buildings (ranging from churches, a synagogue, taverns, public buildings, a library, and private residences) include many that witnessed the American Revolution and survived years of British occupation and French military presence. If you’re looking for a relaxing and history-filled activity while visiting Newport, I recommend walking the winding streets and visiting many of these unique American landmarks!
A Historic Walking Tour of Newport – Route 1
While this is not a complete list of the historic buildings and sites that exist in Newport (I have other historic walking tours for Newport), it is a good collection that are all within relative proximity to one another and make for an enjoyable afternoon stroll (this walking tour should take approximately 45-60 minutes). This tour begins at Trinity Church in Queen Anne Square and includes 12 historic buildings and sites before ending at the legendary White Horse Tavern, but feel free to go in any order that you’d like.
As you walk about the beautifully eclectic streets of Newport, be sure to look for the convenient and informative walking tour stations that are placed throughout the city. These red and tan signs offer an abundance of information about the nearby historic buildings and homes (this is especially useful if the home is a private residence that cannot be toured).
The following tour map gives a recommended route that will take you by 13 historic buildings and sites:
1 – Trinity Church
2 – Vernon House
3 – Artillery Company of Newport
4 – Ezra Stiles House
5 – Touro Synagogue
6 – Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House
7 – Colony House
8 – Brick Market
9 – Stephen Decatur Sr. House
10 – Jailhouse Inn
11 – Liberty Square/Militia Common
12 – Great Friends Meeting House
13 – The White Horse Tavern
1 – Trinity Church/Queen Anne Square
This historic walking tour begins at Trinity Church (141 Spring Street) on Queen Anne Square. If you want to grab a coffee before setting off on your journey, I recommend stopping by the nearby Starbucks on Thames Street.
Trinity Church was designed by architect Richard Munday and completed in 1726 to serve the growing community of Christians in Newport. The quintessential Georgian-style church has been the centerpiece of Newport’s skyline for centuries and has been a part of many historic moments. One such moment occurred in March 1781, when General George Washington visited the city of Newport to meet with French General Rochambeau. It is said that Washington attended service at Trinity Church during this visit and the box pew he sat it can be seen (and sat in) today. Trinity Church adorns the beautiful Queen Anne Square (dedicated in July 1976 during a visit by Queen Elizabeth II) and serves an active faith community.
2 – Vernon House (Private Residence)
The Vernon House (46 Clarke Street) was likely built in the late 1600s with various renovations completed throughout the 1700s. In 1758, Newport merchant Metcalf Bowler purchased the house and expanded it to its current form. In 1773, it was purchased by merchant William Vernon on the eve of the American Revolution. The house was made famous during the war when the French Army was stationed in Newport. The Vernon House served as the headquarters for French General Comte de Rochambeau from 1780-1783 and would have been a busy with military activity during those years. It is believed that General George Washington visited this home during one of his trips to Newport during the war. The Vernon family owned the home until 1872, when it served various functions before it became a private residence in 1966.
3 – Artillery Company of Newport (Active Military Unit & Museum)
The Artillery Company of Newport (23 Clarke Street) was charted in 1741 by King George II and remains the oldest military unit in the United States (although it became inactive during the British occupation of Newport, it was reactivated under its original 1741 charter). The current armory, which houses an incredible museum, was built in 1836. The museum is open for tours and if you’re able to visit, be sure to see their most prized possession: four cannons that were cast in 1798 by Paul Revere himself!
4 – Ezra Stiles House (Private Residence)
The Ezra Stiles House (14 Clarke Street) was built in 1756 for the Reverend Ezra Stiles. Ezra lived in this house for 20 years while he served as minister at the Second Congregational Church (which was across from his house on Clarke Street) before becoming the president of Yale University in 1778. Ezra, being a staunch Whig, left Newport in 1776 before the British invasion and occupation of the city. Luckily, he was fastidious about journaling and today, his journal serves as one of the best primary documents about life in colonial Newport. His house originally faced south, but was rotated to its current position in 1834 and today serves as a private residence.
5 – Touro Synagogue
The Touro Synagogue (85 Touro Street) was designed by Peter Harrison and completed in 1763 as the first synagogue in New England. During the British occupation during the American Revolution, many of Newport’s Jewish population fled the city; however, a man named Isaac Touro remained behind to take care of the synagogue as it served as a hospital and meeting hall. In August 1790, President George Washington visited Newport and shared correspondence with Moses Seixas (the lead of the synagogue’s congregation) about religious freedoms (a now famous letter that is read annually at the synagogue). Today, the Touro Synagogue still serves an active community and is the oldest Jewish synagogue in America.
6 – Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House (Museum – managed by Newport Historical Society)
Tucked away on Broadway is an unassuming dark red colonial building, known as the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House. In fact, this is the oldest surviving house in historic Newport! It was built circa 1697 for merchant Stephen Mumford and eventually passed onto his son, Stephen Mumford Jr.
The house was purchased by Martin Howard Jr. in 1757, who proudly boasted his Loyalist sentiments. Howard belonged to a group called the “Newport Junto,” which published Loyalist and pro-parliament pamphlets during the tumultuous years leading up to the Revolutionary War. In 1765, Howard and other Newport Loyalists were hanged in effigy in nearby Washington Square and many of their homes were vandalized (fearing for his life, Howard left town).
John G. Wanton then purchased the house at auction in 1765. In 1782, his daughter married Revolutionary War veteran Major Daniel Lyman and his other daughter married a local lawyer named Benjamin Hazard (hence today’s long name for the house). Today, the Newport Historical Society owns and operates this famed property.
7 – Colony House/Washington Square (Museum – managed by Newport Historical Society)
The iconic brick Colony House stands proudly at the head of historic Washington Square down the road from the Brick Market and the former location of Long Wharf. Washington Square was once the center of trade and commerce in Newport and was where the occupying British and French troops disembarked. Today, the square is lined with businesses (including a wonderful bookstore), quaint local restaurants, and has a centerpiece statue of Newport’s naval hero Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry (dedicated on September 10, 1885).
The Colony House was built in 1739 in the Georgian architectural style (designed by Richard Munday) and served as the State House for many years (it was also at the center of many events during the revolutionary era). In the tumultuous years before the revolution, Rhode Island colonists burned a small boat (taken from a British ship in the harbor) in front of the Colony House in protest. It is one of the best remaining colonial public buildings in the United States and once welcomed George Washington under its roof for a dinner. Today, the Colony House is a museum and is open for visitors on occasion.
8 – Brick Market / Long Wharf (Museum of Newport History)
The Brick Market (127 Thames Street) was designed by Peter Harrison and built in 1762. It stood near long wharf during the American Revolution, withstood British and French occupation, and has served as a printing office, theater, and Town Hall during its existence. Today, the building serves as the home of the Museum of Newport History. It boasts a fun and unique gift shop as well as a free (donations greatly appreciated) museum on the second floor that highlights the history of Newport.
9 – Stephen Decatur Sr. House / Perro Salado Restaurant (Active Restaurant & Bar)
Tucked away on Charles Street in Newport is a small white house that was once owned and lived in by Captain Stephen Decatur Senior (father of Commodore Stephen Decatur- hero of the War of 1812). This interesting little dwelling was built sometime before 1714 (it is quite weathered) and now serves as a Mexican restaurant called Perro Salado (19 Charles Street). If you’re looking for a margarita and have an adventurous interest in avocado fries, then look no further!
10 – Jailhouse Inn (Active Hotel)
The Historic Jailhouse Inn (13 Marlborough Street) is currently an active hotel. The building was erected in 1772 and has served as the jailhouse and police station for Newport over the years (hence the name, Jailhouse Inn). The hotel offers 23 unique and comfortable rooms and is a short walk to the shops, restaurants, and bars on Thames Street. How many can say that they stayed in a jailhouse but could leave whenever they pleased?
11 – Liberty Square/Militia Common
Directly across the street from the White Horse Tavern is a plot of land known as the “Militia Common” (ca 1770). A stone marker was placed on location in 1991 by the Artillery Company of Newport. The marker reads:
This piece of land was given to the town of Newport by Major Nathaniel Sheffield and Mr. Daniel Thurston as common land to be used as a mustering place for the militia.
This marker dedicated by the Artillery Company of Newport on their 250th year of continuous active service. 1741 – 1991
Additionally, this location is set to be the future site of the Newport Slave Trade Memorial. This is a very important project, because slavery was a vital component of Newport’s financial success, and it should be explained, explored, and understood by all who visit the city.
12 – Great Friends Meeting House (Museum – managed by the Newport Historical Society)
The Great Friends Meeting House (at the intersection of Farewell & Marlborough Streets) was built in 1699 and is the oldest standing house of worship in the state of Rhode Island. It was built by the local Quaker community, which was very influential in Newport society for many years. During the British occupation of Newport from 1776-1779, Hessian troops were garrisoned at the Meeting House (Newport’s Quaker population declined during and following the American Revolution). The original meeting house was just the center portion of the current building (which had a cupola on it) and additions and expansions were added to the building numerous times over the years. In the 1970s the Meeting House was restored and is currently owned and operated by the Newport Historical Society.
13 – The White Horse Tavern (Active Restaurant & Bar)
White Horse Tavern (26 Marlborough Street) has its origins in the year 1673 and is the oldest tavern in the United States of America. It has served colonists and Americans for centuries and even served as the annual gathering place for members of the Colonial Legislature. As you approach, you will be struck by the stunning red exterior and Georgian style architecture of the tavern. Although it cannot be confirmed that George Washington ever visited the tavern during his visits, it is fun to think that he may have graced its doorway.
Now that you have made it to the end of the tour, I recommend relaxing in the tavern’s old tap room with a cold beer or refreshing old fashioned or even grabbing lunch or dinner if you’re able. You will be sure to appreciate the massive original fireplace, cozy interior, and delicious menu!