Thames Street, Rhode Island facts for kids

Shops along Thames Street

Thames Street is a very old street in Newport, Rhode Island. It's one of the oldest streets in the state that people still use every day! This street is the main road in downtown Newport. It runs right next to the water, making it a busy and important spot.

History of Thames Street

Thames Street was one of the first two streets ever planned in Newport. This happened way back in 1654. It was built to help people get to the many docks and wharves in the city.

The street got its name from the River Thames in London, England. Many of the first people who settled here came from that area. The northern part of Thames Street starts near the Common Burying Ground. This area was once home to a Quaker community in the 1600s and 1700s.

You can still see many old buildings from the colonial times along the street. Lots of them are still used as shops and businesses today! Later, in the 1800s and 1900s, the southern part of Thames Street became home to many Irish families.

Today, people in Newport say "Thames" so it rhymes with "names." It's different from how people say the river's name in England. Thames Street is still the main street in downtown Newport. You'll find many restaurants, inns, and stores there.

How Long is Thames Street?

Thames Street is about 1.5 miles long. It goes through the middle of Newport. The street starts at Ellery Park and ends in a neighborhood called the "Fifth Ward."

The street has three main parts:

• The first part runs from Ellery Park to West Marlborough Street. This area is known as the Kerry Hill neighborhood.
• The second part is called "Upper Thames" by locals. It goes from West Marlborough to the city Post Office. This section of the street is paved with brick in some places.
• The third part is known as "Lower Thames." It starts near Perry Mill and continues to the end of the road.

Places to See on Thames Street

Thames Street is home to many interesting and historic places. Here are some of them:

• Admiral Fitzroy Inn (built in 1854)
• Charles Tillinghast House (built in 1715)
• Clarke Cooke House (built in 1780)
• Francis Malbone House (built in 1758)
• International Yacht Restoration School
• The John Stevens Shop (around 1750)
• Museum of Newport History (Market House) (built in 1762)
• Newport Historic District (Rhode Island)
• Newport Steam Factory (built in 1831)
• Perry Mill (built in 1835)
• Samuel Whitehorne House (built in 1811)
• Southern Thames Historic District