While colonial Rhode Island had 5 rotating state houses, this is the one where the state officially declared independence from England in May 1776. This building also served the new state as one of its 2 Capitols with Newport until 1900 when the current Capitol cemented Providence as its permanent home. While no longer the center of the state's politics, this building is still a great visit in the city's historic district directly across the street from Roger Williams National Monument. We began a 2-mile loop from this building to see some of the most important historic sites in Providence with this being the start. In addition to the building the structure has always had a nice green space in front, something replicated by Rhode Island at its current Capitol. It was in this green that Rhode Islanders celebrated their independence. We visited on Labor Day, so the building was not open, but we enjoyed seeing it and knowing its importance. Opened or not, take the time to see this important historic site.

During our walk from Brown university main campus to the Roger Williams memorial we came across the Old State House. It's a charming old house that is well preserved. It's located in a nice street with other beautiful small scale buildings.