In downtown Providence, you can find the Roger Williams National Memorial, which pays homage to the founder of America’s smallest state.
Why go?
- Into history? This park is all about the founder of Rhode Island.
- Interested in religious freedom? Learn how Rhode Island was the first colony to have true separation of church and state.
- It’s part of the national park system, and national park aficionados can get their National Park Passport books stamped! (More about this in an upcoming post…)
- The park offers areas to stroll, lounge, picnic, and relax.
- There’s a great view from the monument at Prospect Terrace.
- If you need some peace from the hustle and bustle of downtown Providence, this park is the place to be.
Cost: Free. (Our tax dollars at work!)
Who was this guy, anyway?
Roger Williams was a minister originally from Massachusetts who had some interesting ideas that were contrary to those big wigs of Massachusetts Bay Colony. He believed in religious freedom, which didn’t go over too well with the Puritan authorities. He found himself banished from Massachusetts. Long story short (and believe me, it’s a very interesting story!), he was able to acquire land from the Narragansett Indian Tribe. This is where he started the colony of Rhode Island. Thanks to Roger Williams, Rhode Island was born and became the first place in America where freedom of worship was allowed. Thanks, Roger!
Getting to the national monument and memorial
The park is located in downtown Providence. There is a free parking lot for visitors!
If you drive down South Main Street, you’ll see this sign on the left.
Take the next two lefts to wrap around the block, and you’ll find the parking area.
Exploring the park
You’ll find five acres full of trees, open spaces, and fields. You can go for a stroll, throw a frisbee, or have a picnic.
There is also a visitor’s center, which is air conditioned! Around the building, there’s a small garden showcasing the native “Three Sisters” method.
Inside, there are exhibits about Roger Williams and very friendly park staff. The ranger inside told us how to get to the monument.
Walking to the monument
The monument isn’t in the memorial park. It’s located in Prospect Terrace, which isn’t far away at all. You can leave your car parked at the memorial and walk up. It’s an easy-ish walk up a hill.
You’ll want to walk along the park until you get to Meeting Street. Cross North Main and follow Meeting Street all the way up.
At the top of the stairs, go left. Prospect Terrace, where the monument is, is right there.
Roger Williams’ View
And, voila! The monument, and the view of Providence!
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Roger Williams National Memorial is located at 282 North Main Street in Providence, RI. On this map, you can also see Prospect Terrace, where the monument is located.
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