Wayland Square facts for kids

A sunny day in Wayland Square, Providence

Another look at Wayland Square, showing its unique buildings

Wayland Square is a lively neighborhood located on the East Side of Providence, Rhode Island. It's a cool spot close to famous schools like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. This area is known for its unique shops, tasty restaurants, and interesting history.

History of Wayland Square

Francis Wayland, a former president of Brown University, who the square is named after.

Wayland Square and Wayland Avenue get their names from an important person named Francis Wayland. He was a Baptist pastor and served as the president of Brown University a long time ago.

For many years, the area around Wayland Square was mostly undeveloped. This was because the land near the Seekonk River was quite marshy, meaning it was wet and soft, making it hard to build on.

However, things changed a lot in the early 1900s. Most of the buildings you see in Wayland Square today were built during this time. Many of them are designed in the beautiful Queen Anne style. This style often includes towers, decorative shingles, and wrap-around porches, making the buildings look very grand and unique.

What You Can Find in Wayland Square Today

Today, Wayland Square is a busy and friendly place. It's filled with all sorts of businesses, places of worship, and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat. It's a great spot for people to meet up, shop, or just enjoy a walk.

One important landmark near the square is the Red Bridge. This bridge crosses over the Seekonk River, connecting different parts of Providence. It's a key part of the area's transportation.