Forty Steps, Newport
Nestled along the famed Cliff Walk you'll discover a unique and iconic location known as Forty Steps (40 Steps). These historic steps, originally built in 1880, have evolved into much more than just a stairway. They offer a fascinating blend of natural beauty and cultural history, making them a must-visit destination for residents and tourists alike.
The original forty rickety steps were constructed to descend to the bottom of the cliffs of Cliff Walk. Interestingly, these steps did not have a specific purpose because there is no beach awaiting at the bottom. However, they would go on to serve an unexpected role in Newport's history.
These seemingly purposeless steps became a gathering place for the laborers and servants of the grand Gilded-Age mansions that lined Newport's coastline. Amidst their daily routines and chores, the servants found solace and camaraderie at Forty Steps. Here, they would revel in music and dancing, providing a welcome escape from the monotony of their labor.
In the early 1990s, efforts were made to refurbish the steps, enhancing their safety and aesthetic appeal. The Forty Steps Restoration Fund played a crucial role in providing the steps with a facelift, replacing the rickety originals with new and enduring granite steps. This restoration effort preserved the steps for future generations to enjoy.
Today, Forty Steps stands as a timeless sanctuary where visitors can relish the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can watch the waves crash against the rocky coast, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of Newport's stunning shoreline. These steps are not confined to a select few; they are open to the public, and you can explore them freely.
The original forty rickety steps were constructed to descend to the bottom of the cliffs of Cliff Walk. Interestingly, these steps did not have a specific purpose because there is no beach awaiting at the bottom. However, they would go on to serve an unexpected role in Newport's history.
These seemingly purposeless steps became a gathering place for the laborers and servants of the grand Gilded-Age mansions that lined Newport's coastline. Amidst their daily routines and chores, the servants found solace and camaraderie at Forty Steps. Here, they would revel in music and dancing, providing a welcome escape from the monotony of their labor.
In the early 1990s, efforts were made to refurbish the steps, enhancing their safety and aesthetic appeal. The Forty Steps Restoration Fund played a crucial role in providing the steps with a facelift, replacing the rickety originals with new and enduring granite steps. This restoration effort preserved the steps for future generations to enjoy.
Today, Forty Steps stands as a timeless sanctuary where visitors can relish the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can watch the waves crash against the rocky coast, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of Newport's stunning shoreline. These steps are not confined to a select few; they are open to the public, and you can explore them freely.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Newport. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Forty Steps on Map
Sight Name: Forty Steps
Sight Location: Newport, USA (See walking tours in Newport)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Newport, USA (See walking tours in Newport)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Newport, Rhode Island
Create Your Own Walk in Newport
Creating your own self-guided walk in Newport is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Newport Introduction Walking Tour
Newport, Rhode Island, is where history meets coastal charm... From its origins as a shipbuilding port to its place today as America's yachting capital, Newport has been tied to the sea.
The city was founded in 1639 on Rhode Island, now known as Aquidneck Island, and was named after the town of Newport in Shropshire, England. Its history is a tapestry of religious tolerance and maritime... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
The city was founded in 1639 on Rhode Island, now known as Aquidneck Island, and was named after the town of Newport in Shropshire, England. Its history is a tapestry of religious tolerance and maritime... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Newport Historic District Walking Tour
The Newport Historic District covers 250 acres (100 hectares) in the center of Newport, Rhode Island, and has been a National Historic Landmark since 1968. Home to an extensive and well-preserved assortment of intact colonial buildings dating from the early to mid-18th century, the collection of colonial buildings here is incomparable to anywhere else in the US. So much so in fact, that in 1997,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Bellevue Avenue Historic District Walking Tour
Situated along and around Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island, the Bellevue Avenue Historic District is almost exclusively residential, featuring many of the Gilded Age mansions built as summer retreats for the rich and famous around the turn of the 20th century. For the most part, these exquisite properties, once owned by the likes of the Vanderbilt and Astor families, represent pioneering... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles