Weather: Mostly Cloudy, 64/76F
Route: From New Haven 101 miles ENE on I-95 N, RI-138 E, RI-238 S.
Population: 24,672 (2010)
Nicknames: City by the Sea, Sailing Capital of the World, Queen of Summer Resorts, America's Society Capital
History: The history of Newport and Rhode Island generally is an interesting one. In the early colonial period Rhode Island was founded by the outcasts from Massachusetts Bay Colony including Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson. They were basically trouble makers who didn't play well with others. Which made Rhode Island a place that was more free religiously. Many Quakers came to the area, in fact there is a meeting house still standing that was built in 1699. In the 1650's Jews came from Spain and Portugal - fleeing the inquisition. The Touro Synagogue, built in 1763, is the oldest in the United States.
However, Newport was not a symbol of freedom for all people. It was an important part of the Atlantic Slave Trade. Rum was produced here from the sugar grown in central and south America, which was then sent to Africa to be traded for slaves.
In the 19th and 20th century Newport became the place for the elite of the elite to spend their summers. The Vanderbilts, the Astors and others built what they called (tongue-in-cheek) their summer "cottages." It became a center of sailing and America's Cup was held here from 1930-1983. It is also home to one of the best annual Jazz festivals in the world. Both Kennedy and Eisenhower had "summer white houses" here during their administrations.
Places to Visit: The Breakers, Tuoro Synagogue, Naval War College Museum, Museum of Newport History.
Images:
Downtown historic district (from legendsofamerica.com)
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