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Providence Walks: Downtown Historic Tour

This walking tour is self-guided.

Click here to view a virtual version of the walking tour.

Printed maps are available at our Visitor Information Center at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Click here to view a full-size PDF of the map.

The geographical, political, economic and cultural core of Rhode Island’s capital, Providence’s downtown neighborhood is bordered by the Providence River and Interstate 95. Colonial Providence was born on the East Side along the Providence River, but with both the success of the mercantile trade and the industrial revolution, the small city expanded west. Providence became a bustling manufacturing town and by the late 19th century, the city was the transportation hub of southeastern New England due to the extensive railroad network. 

The 20th century was an era that started with optimism, followed by the harsh reality of the depression and, ultimately, a transition for downtown. This era also saw the creation of Providence's modern skyline with new Art Deco structures, now icons of the this prosperous time in Providence's history. 

Today, downtown Providence is a vibrant mix of nationally recognized arts and cultural institutions, top-ranked restaurants, world-renowned universities, creative industries, financial and legal firms, and locally owned businesses earning the city the name, “The Creative Capital.” Preservation and an appreciation for architecture and history are a constant thread in this neighborhood’s story.

This tour was researched and written by Amelia Golcheski.

Providence Personalities: Downtown

Margaret Fuller

Margaret Fuller
(1810–1850)

Noted Transcendentalist writer Margaret Fuller taught at the Greene Street School in Providence from 1837-1839, fostering self-reflection and independence in young women.

Christiana Carteaux  Bannister

Christiana Carteaux Bannister
(1819–1902)

Known as “Madame Carteaux,” Christiana Carteaux Bannister was an astute businesswoman, hairdresser and abolitionist. She was married to renowned artist Edward Mitchell Bannister.

Haven Bros. Diner

Anne Philomena Haven
(1842–1912)

Anne Haven, an immigrant widow, founded Haven Brothers, one of the oldest restaurants on wheels. The lunch cart grew into a legendary Providence food establishment still in operation today near City Hall.

Johnson & Wales

Gertrude I. Johnson (1876–1961)
Mary T. Wales (1874–1952)

In 1914, Gertrude Johnson and Mary Wales founded Johnson & Wales University. Beginning with one student and one typewriter, the women ran the school until their retirement in 1947.

Bill Warner

William D. “Bill” Warner
(1929–2012)

Bill Warner is often cited as having the greatest impact on revitalizing downtown Providence during the 1980s and 90s, leading the redevelopment of its historic waterfront to create Waterplace Park.

Buddy Cianci

Vincent “Buddy” Cianci
(1941–2016)

A famous figure in Providence political history, Buddy Cianci served as the city’s mayor from 1974 to 1984 and 1991 to 2002. Cianci’s sometimes turbulent time in office is noted for its substantial redevelopment efforts.

Umberto Crenca

Umberto Crenca
(born 1950)

Founder of AS220, Umberto Crenca was honored by President Obama for “his work on building a collaborative community committed to supporting exchange of knowledge between innovative makers and creative thinkers.”

Barnaby Evans

Barnaby Evans
(born 1953)

The artist behind WaterFire, Barnaby Evans is responsible for creating the “crown jewel” of the city’s modern renaissance. A graduate of Brown University, Evans is an artist who uses public art to rethink urban space.

Downtown Timeline

1636

Providence is founded by Roger Williams

1764

Brown University is founded

1776

Rhode Island is the first colony to declare independence from Great Britain

1790

Population is 6,380

1815

Great Gale hits Providence, causing severe damage and flooding

1829

Providence Journal begins daily publishing

1835

Providence and Boston Railroad begins operating

1847

Providence and Worcester Railroad begins operating

1848

Union Railroad Station opens

1868

Providence’s Golden Age begins

1875

Cornerstone of City Hall is laid on June 24

1877

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is founded

1900

Population is 175,597

1914

Johnson & Wales University is founded

1938

Hurricane of 1938, Providence is submerged under nearly 11-foot storm tide

1940

Peak population is 253,504

1954

Hurricane Carol, downtown Providence is flooded

1966

Fox Point Hurricane Barrier is completed, first of its type in the U.S.

1986

Providence River Relocation Project begins

1994

Waterplace Park opens and WaterFire debuts

Downtown Historic Walking Tour Map

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