Providence and it's Rich History

Providence and it’s East Side, has transformed from a colonial settlement to an industrial city, into a culturally diverse city with an incredible amount of rich housing stock, stunning views and dynamic town squares. Nestled at the head of Narragansett Bay, Providence was one of the first cities established in the United States and today remains one of the most visually beautiful cities in the country. It was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, an exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, who wanted to create a settlement based on freedoms he couldn’t find elsewhere. The original Providence Plantations were established along the Providence River up to the approximate location of Benefit Street today. Then like now, the Capitol city offers so much for so many.

Providence and the East Side of Providence is an exciting metropolis. It is a center where all age groups meet to dine at one of the many wonderful restaurants, to catch a film, attend Broadway shows or concerts at the Providence Performing Arts Center, watch the Waterfires on the Providence River during the warm weather months, fireworks on the Fourth of July at the State House or attend various art exhibits on display at the RISD Museum or take a tour on Gallery Night, a display of art at various locations and venues around the city.

Providence is a time capsule of Colonial America at its most productive time in history. It is home to many places of interest such as the Brown University, Johnson and Wales, the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence Performing Arts Center, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, the John Brown House and the mile of history, historic Benefit Street and its Colonial Era houses.

What clearly defines Providence and makes it so special to all are its neighborhoods. These have been clearly defined by the access to different modes of transportation. Avenues, trolleys, interstate highways, and Theodore Francis Green Airport have all contributed to the development of the City of Providence and Rhode Island as a whole. College Hill, Fox Point, Mount Hope, Patterson Park, Elmgrove, Freeman Plat, Summit, Blackstone Boulevard all offer a diversified group of housing stock to please any palate.