University Hall, Providence
As you wander through Brown鈥檚 historic campus, University Hall rises as the oldest building on the grounds and one of only seven college structures in the United States predating the American Revolution. Often regarded as 鈥渙ne of the genuine icons of early American collegiate architecture,鈥� this Georgian-style landmark, completed in 1770, has been a centerpiece of Brown鈥檚 storied past.
During the American Revolutionary War, this building was repurposed as barracks and a hospital for both American and French troops. In 1790, President George Washington himself visited, cementing its place in the annals of U.S. history.
The structure鈥檚 red brick exterior, symmetrical layout, and hipped roof crowned by a central cupola make it instantly recognizable. Over the years, the cupola and other features have been carefully restored, ensuring the building maintains its original elegance.
Today, University Hall houses key administrative offices, including the Office of the President. Its central spot on the College Green makes it a hub of campus activity, and in 1962, it earned designation as a National Historic Landmark in recognition of its value.
Visitors can find a commemorative plaque honoring the Revolutionary War soldiers who were housed and treated here. The building also holds a special place in the life of renowned educator Horace Mann, who graduated from Brown in 1819 before becoming a pioneer in American public education.
As you stand before University Hall, consider the rich legacy that lives within these walls and the generations of students, faculty, and leaders who have helped shape its remarkable story.
During the American Revolutionary War, this building was repurposed as barracks and a hospital for both American and French troops. In 1790, President George Washington himself visited, cementing its place in the annals of U.S. history.
The structure鈥檚 red brick exterior, symmetrical layout, and hipped roof crowned by a central cupola make it instantly recognizable. Over the years, the cupola and other features have been carefully restored, ensuring the building maintains its original elegance.
Today, University Hall houses key administrative offices, including the Office of the President. Its central spot on the College Green makes it a hub of campus activity, and in 1962, it earned designation as a National Historic Landmark in recognition of its value.
Visitors can find a commemorative plaque honoring the Revolutionary War soldiers who were housed and treated here. The building also holds a special place in the life of renowned educator Horace Mann, who graduated from Brown in 1819 before becoming a pioneer in American public education.
As you stand before University Hall, consider the rich legacy that lives within these walls and the generations of students, faculty, and leaders who have helped shape its remarkable story.
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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University Hall on Map
Sight Name: University Hall
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.
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
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