Market House, Providence
Nestled in the heart of College Hill, the Market House is Providence鈥檚 brick-built blast from the past. Constructed in the 1770s and exemplifying Georgian architecture, this historic structure was originally designed to juggle commerce and civic affairs. Back then, the ground floor bustled with market vendors, while the upper floor hosted public gatherings鈥攁nd probably some heated debates.
At first, the Market House was a modest two-story affair with by a low gable roof. But in 1797, it got an upgrade: a third floor was added to accommodate Rhode Island鈥檚 first Masonic Lodge. A wooden balustrade was thrown in for good measure, along with a large bull鈥檚-eye window on the east gable and a clock on the west鈥攖hough that wasn鈥檛 added until the 20th century. In true architectural fashion, the first floor鈥檚 original arcade eventually gave way to more practical windows during the 19th century.
This building wasn鈥檛 just about looking pretty. In March of 1775, a group of local patriots gathered here to protest British taxes in the most dramatic way possible: burning British tea. Later, during the American Revolution, it even served as a barracks for French soldiers stationed in the city. And if that weren鈥檛 enough civic service, the Market House pulled double duty as Providence鈥檚 City Hall from 1832 to 1878 while everyone argued over where to put a new one.
Fast forward to 1948, and the Rhode Island School of Design took ownership, with one caveat: the exterior had to be preserved. Today, the Market House is still standing strong, with plaques marking the high-water marks of hurricanes long past, reminding us that this sturdy old structure has weathered more than a few tempests.
At first, the Market House was a modest two-story affair with by a low gable roof. But in 1797, it got an upgrade: a third floor was added to accommodate Rhode Island鈥檚 first Masonic Lodge. A wooden balustrade was thrown in for good measure, along with a large bull鈥檚-eye window on the east gable and a clock on the west鈥攖hough that wasn鈥檛 added until the 20th century. In true architectural fashion, the first floor鈥檚 original arcade eventually gave way to more practical windows during the 19th century.
This building wasn鈥檛 just about looking pretty. In March of 1775, a group of local patriots gathered here to protest British taxes in the most dramatic way possible: burning British tea. Later, during the American Revolution, it even served as a barracks for French soldiers stationed in the city. And if that weren鈥檛 enough civic service, the Market House pulled double duty as Providence鈥檚 City Hall from 1832 to 1878 while everyone argued over where to put a new one.
Fast forward to 1948, and the Rhode Island School of Design took ownership, with one caveat: the exterior had to be preserved. Today, the Market House is still standing strong, with plaques marking the high-water marks of hurricanes long past, reminding us that this sturdy old structure has weathered more than a few tempests.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Providence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911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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Market House on Map
Sight Name: Market House
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Providence, Rhode Island
Create Your Own Walk in Providence
Creating your own self-guided walk in Providence 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.
Brown University Walking Tour
Chief among the iconic landmarks contributing to the cultural atmosphere of Providence, Rhode Island, is Brown University, a prestigious Ivy League institution known for its liberal arts education and vibrant campus life. Founded in 1764, this is the seventh-oldest university in the United States, chartered before the American Revolution.
Brown's historic campus offers a classic New... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Brown's historic campus offers a classic New... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Providence Historical Buildings Tour
A beautiful city on the banks of the Providence River, Providence, Rhode Island, is nearly as old as the United States themselves 鈥� founded in 1636. As such, the city has many interesting historical and architectural landmarks worth checking out that tell the story of its past.
Among these, the Providence County Courthouse stands as a symbol of justice and governance. The Old Stone Bank,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Among these, the Providence County Courthouse stands as a symbol of justice and governance. The Old Stone Bank,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Providence Introduction Walking Tour
Along the banks of the Providence River sits one of New England鈥檚 oldest and most storied settlements. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a bold dissenter fleeing Massachusetts Bay Colony, it initially began as a sanctuary of religious freedom. Williams believed this haven was revealed through divine mercy鈥攈ence the name 鈥淧rovidence.鈥� Over time, the city grew from its humble beginnings... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles