Roger Williams National Memorial - Providence, Rhode Island
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An interpretive sign includes a "You Are Here" notation at the northern part of Roger Williams National Memorial in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. The small park's namesake was a religious freedom leader and founder of Rhode Island.
Waymark Code: WM17671
Location: Rhode Island, United States
Date Posted: 12/21/2022
Views: 4
An interpretive sign includes a "You Are Here" notation at
Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence, Rhode Island. This historical marker titled "Roger Williams National Memorial" is close to the northern end of the small urban National Park property and close to the Antram-Gray House visitor center. Along with brief introductory text, the sign design is mainly a map. Nine nearby locations are highlighted by photos with captions. The park appears at the center left. Its
You Are Here is lettered with white text inside a black rectangle callout. The sign reads at the upper left:
Welcome to the birthplace of religious freedom in the United States. Roger Williams, fleeing religious persecution in England and Massachusetts Bay Colony, founded Providence here in 1636. The original inhabitants, Narragansett and Wampanoag, have lived in this area for thousands of years. They taught the early settlers much about living here on the shores of what was once a great saltwater cove. Later, Providence bustled with maritime trade and played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution.
We invite you to explore this history and reflect on William's vision of Liberty of Conscience as you enjoy the memorial and Providence.
The nine sites featured, beginning at the upper right (southeast in this orientation) and following clockwise are captioned:
- John Brown House Museum: Explore our nation's early social and cultural history at the Rhode Island Historical Society.
- Brown University: Tour the campus of one of the country's oldest universities.
- First Baptist Church in America: Visit the meeting house of the oldest Baptist congregation in America, which was gathered by Roger Williams in 1638.
- Waterplace Park: Walk along the river and discover year-round public art and cultural events.
- Rhode Island State House: See the home of the state's General Assembly, one of the largest marble domes in the world, and the 1663 Rhode Island Charter.
- Roger Williams National Memorial: Discover the Roger Williams story and begin your exploration of Providence here.
- Antram-Gray House MEMORIAL VISITOR CENTER: For almost 300 years, this building has witnessed the growth and transformation of Providence.
- Prospect Park: Take in the panoramic view of Providence from the Roger Williams statue that marks his final resting place.
- The Old State House: Stand where Rhode Island declared its independence on May 4, 1776, two months before the rest of the colonies.
Lastly, a box at the lower right quadrant lists Rules and Regulations for the memorial:
Pets
All pets must be leashed.
Pick up after your pet.
Special Events
Special events require
a special use permit.
See a park staff person for
an application or go to
nps.gov/rowi.
Picnics
The memorial can
accommodate informal
picnics of fewer than
25 people without issuing
a special use permit.
For groups larger than
25 people, apply for a
special use permit in the
visitor center or online
at nps.gov/rowi.
Sound
Be considerate of other
memorial users.
Keep music to a
reasonable volume.
Memorial Hours
The memorial is open
sunrise to sunset.
The visitor center, at the
corner of North Main
Street and Smith Street,
is open seven days a week
and closed January 1,
Thanksgiving, and
December 25.
Summer Hours:
9:00 am-5:00 pm (Late May through October)
Off Season Hours:
9:00 am-4:30 pm (Columbus Day through Memorial Day)