In Newport, History and Wealth Influence Architecture

By: Iain Wilson
Posted In: News

As you journey over the picturesque Claiborne Pell Bridge, you are not just crossing the Narragansett Bay. You are

about to travel back centuries, to a world of cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and the emergence of our young country into a great nation.

Shimmering blue waters, elegant church steeples, and a sign reading “Scenic Newport” welcome all those who come to explore the historic sea side town.

Some of the Rhode Island town’s fame lies in its beaches, ocean views, and music festivals. However, the reputation of the seaside city rests squarely on the shoulders of its historical, revolutionary, and downright breathtaking architecture. As early as the mid the mid-eighteenth century, Newport was becoming one of the most popular vacation spots in the Northeast. By 1850, the island was nationally and internationally renowned for its beauty and desirable location.

With all the variety the town has to offer, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what drives millions of tourists each year to the area. John Tschirch, an architectural historian with the Preservation Society of Newport County is confident as he declares,

“Nowhere in America can you immerse yourself in a 19th century district the way you can in Newport.”

What that means is you can walk, literally, across the whole town, starting at one end, ending in the other, all the while not leaving for a second any historically recognized or preserved areas.

Your immersion will begin around the Bellevue Avenue section of the city, and will continue through the heart of the city, right down to the water.

Historic Bellevue Avenue is lined by ancient trees, 19th century-style lampposts, and a row of massive, and breathtaking mansions. The mansion area is arguably the prettiest and most visited area of the city. Found in this several mile stretch are famous “summer cottages” that go by stately names like Marble House, Chateau-sur-Mer, and The Elms. Ripe with unfathomable amounts of marble, gold, and silver, there is no shortage of eye candy on Bellevue.

The Pi