Old State House (Providence, Rhode Island) facts for kids
|
Sixth District Court House (Old State House)
|
|
|
U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
|
Old State House in 2008
|
|
 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 150 Benefit St., Providence, Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Built | 1762 |
| Architectural style | Georgian architecture |
| Part of | College Hill Historic District (ID70000019) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000092 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | April 28, 1970 |
| Designated NHLDCP | November 10, 1970 |
The Old State House is a historic building in Providence, Rhode Island. It's also known by names like the Providence Colony House or Rhode Island State House. You can find it on College Hill at 150 Benefit Street.
This building was mostly finished in 1762. It's made of brick and built in the Georgian style. For 149 years, it was where the leaders of the colony and later the state of Rhode Island met to make laws.
Contents
A Look Back: History of the Old State House
Building the State House
For a long time, the Rhode Island General Assembly (Rhode Island's lawmaking group) held its meetings in different courthouses. They would travel between the five counties of the state.
In 1730, a building called the Country House was built for meetings. But it burned down in 1758. So, in 1760, the General Assembly decided to build a new place: the Old State House.
The building was mostly done by 1762. It was made of brick with special stone corners called quoins. Many of its design ideas came from the bigger Newport Colony House. The inside of the Old State House was also very similar to the Newport building.
Changes Over Time
The Old State House changed quite a bit over the years. In 1840, an architect named Russell Warren updated the building. He changed the windows and rearranged some parts inside.
Later, in 1850, a large tower was added to the building. This tower faced Main Street. In 1867, the building got even bigger with an addition on Benefit Street. These changes helped the building grow while still keeping its original look.
The Old State House was the main meeting place for the state's lawmakers until 1901. That's when the new Rhode Island State House was ready. After that, the Old State House became a courthouse. It was used as the Sixth District Courthouse until 1975.
Important Moments at the Old State House
Many important events happened at the Old State House.
- On May 4, 1776, the General Assembly declared Rhode Island's independence from Great Britain. This day is now celebrated as Rhode Island Independence Day!
- Important discussions about slavery took place here in the late 1700s.
- Famous people like George Washington visited the building in 1781 and 1790.
- Later, in the 1800s, civil rights leaders like Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony also visited.
In 1970, the Old State House was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as a very important historic site. Today, the building is home to the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission. They work to protect historic places in Rhode Island.
In 2020, the building was renovated and restored to keep it in good shape for the future.
Inside the Old State House
.jpg)
.jpg)
When the building was first built, the main floor had a large open hall. This space was used for public meetings and later became a courtroom.
On the second floor, there were rooms for the House of Representatives and the Senate. There were also offices for the Governor and the Secretary of State. Today, only the former Council Chamber still looks like it did when it was first built.
Gallery
-
This 1786 sampler shows the Old State House (center) and University Hall (upper right).
-
This 1851 picture shows the building before changes were made to its outside.
-
This 1881 picture shows the building after the tower was added in 1850.
-
A snowy view of the building from the nearby Roger Williams National Memorial.
-
The building in 2012.
