Colonial Newport Walking Tour

Visitors will check in at the Museum of Newport History and Shop, located inside the historic Brick market building (c. 1762). All tour guests receive free admission to the Museum on the second floor, as well as a 10% discount on store purchases. The Brick Market itself is one of the first sites learned about on the tour. IMPORTANT: The Museum space itself is not on the tour, we recommend arriving early to view the museum, or stopping by after the tour ends.

Visitors will learn about Washington Square, the colonial center of Newport, reflecting its history of religious tolerance and diversity, and featuring civic buildings like the Colony House and Brick Market instead of a central church, highlighting the city's unique founding principles and commercial importance.

Visitors will learn about the oldest house on the Square, originally built for John Rathbun and later owned by John Gardner. It served as a meeting place where, in summer 1763, Gardner and others proposed establishing a Baptist college in Rhode Island, leading to the chartering of Rhode Island College (now Brown University) the following year.

Visitors will learn about the Colony House, the nation's fourth oldest extant statehouse and a National Historic Landmark, where the General Assembly met and major historical events like a reading of the Declaration of Independence occurred in 1776.

Tour guests will stop outside the White Horse tavern, to learn of the history behind one of the oldest operating taverns in the United States.

Guests will stop by the Great Friends Meeting House, the oldest place of worship in the state. Here you will learn about the Society of Friends, or the Quakers, and their influence in early Newport history.

Visitors will explore Newport's earliest restored museum house, a c.1697 National Historic Landmark. It was home to colonial governors, Tories, and patriots, including Martin Howard, a wealthy lawyer and Tory supporter during the Stamp Act era.

Visitors will learn about Newport's founding by Baptists in 1639, led by minister John Clarke, who authored Rhode Island's 1663 charter, presenting it to King Charles II and securing freedom of religious and civic governance, marking the first separation of church and state in North America.

Guide will stop outside Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in North American, where you will learn about the history of the Jews in Newport. IMPORTANT: Touro Synagogue is a separate attraction. Walking tour does not go inside, separate admission is required before or after walking tour.

Visitors will learn about Trinity Church, built in 1726 by Richard Munday with influences from Christopher Wren.

Visitors will learn about the 1708 Vernon House on Clarke Street. During the Revolutionary War, the house served as headquarters for Rochambeau and hosted significant meetings with Washington and Lafayette.

Guide will stop outside the Newport Artillery Company. IMPORTANT: Tour does not include admission into the Artillery Company museum. It is a separate attraction, viewable on weekends, before or after your tour.