Historic Locations
Click on photo to enlarge
Click on photo to enlarge
Little Compton, RI
Little Compton is proud town of Rhode Island history! The state bird, Rhode Island Red, was born in this little community. In the 1800's, the world wanted a meatier chicken and a local farmer Isaac Wilbur bred these first chickens - the Rhode Island Red. A plaque was erected in 1925 reminding the world where this tasty bird came from originally. Down the road a bit, one finds the oldest continuously-run general store in the United States - Gray's General Store. The doors opened in 1788!
Bristol, RI
America's Oldest Continuous Fourth of July Celebration began in the small port town of Bristol, RI in 1785. Bristol grows from 20,000 folks to over 200,000 for this annual event!
Davisville, RI
SEABEES! SEABEES! SEABEES! During WWII, over 110,000 Navy personnel were trained at this Rhode Island facility. Upon entering the grounds, you're met with warm smiles and a hearty "Welcome!" from a War Veteran volunteer. The day unfolds into an adventure as these passionate volunteers sharing stories after stories of patriotism and heroism.
The question most frequently posed to the volunteers concerns the origins of the name 'Seabees.' This name derives from the acronym 'CB,' representing Construction Battalions. When spoken aloud, 'CB' resembles 'Seabees.' Their slogan, "We build. We fight," perfectly captures the essence of the Seabees, which is further reinforced by their impressive logo. Gaining insights from the war veteran volunteers is a truly informative, moving experience.
Newport, RI
There are 2 remarkable iconic locations worth visiting while in Newport, Rhode Island. The first is the 1848 parish where John F. Kennedy married Jacqueline. Let us imagine the elegant, huge doors opening, as a happily married couple walking through is about to spend a life together as one of the most admirable couples in US history. The second is the Mystery Tower which consists of 450 tons of rock. No one knows who built it. Was it the Vikings (1150), the Chinese (1421), the English (1583) or the American colonists (1660). Whoever it was, it is an amazing massive structure. As you drive throughout many quaint neighborhoods, one will see gorgeous historic homes lining the streets.
The oldest tavern in the United States is the White Horse Tavern (est 1673). At one point, a notorious pirate inherited the bar from his father. Stepping inside is quite the experience of stepping back in time, as one is surrounded in original artifacts including a colonial-era 13 star flag. Over the years, there have been multiple sightings of a ghost lurking by the fireplace. A great experience in Newport, Rhode Island!
Let us bring some "light" into the streets across the United States! In the early 1800s, David Melville, wanted to light up the space in front of his home. The invention of the first gas light! His invention replaced oil burning lights throughout the United States. A commemorative, illuminated light and plaque reminds of this historical event.