Roger Williams National Memorial
Encyclopedia
Roger Williams National Memorial is a landscaped urban park located on a common lot of the original settlement of Providence, Rhode Island
, by Roger Williams
in 1636. Bounded by North Main, Canal, and Smith Streets and Park Row, the memorial commemorates the life of the co-founder of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
and a champion of the ideal of religious freedom. Williams, banished from Massachusetts
for his beliefs, founded this colony as a refuge where all could come to worship as their conscience dictated without interference from the state. This park is the 20th smallest national park in the nation.
The park's visitor center features an exhibit and video about Roger Williams and the founding of Rhode Island, as well as information about historic sites in Providence.
was authorized on October 22, 1965. As with all historic areas administered by the National Park Service
, the memorial was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
on October 15, 1966. As of 2006, it is the only unit of the National Park System in Rhode Island
. Touro Synagogue National Historic Site in Newport
is an affiliated area of the National Park Service, but not formally part of the system.
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the third largest city in the New England region...
, by Roger Williams
Roger Williams (theologian)
Roger Williams was an English Protestant theologian who was an early proponent of religious freedom and the separation of church and state. In 1636, he began the colony of Providence Plantation, which provided a refuge for religious minorities. Williams started the first Baptist church in America,...
in 1636. Bounded by North Main, Canal, and Smith Streets and Park Row, the memorial commemorates the life of the co-founder of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
The Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations was one of the original English Thirteen Colonies established on the east coast of North America that, after the American Revolution, became the modern U.S...
and a champion of the ideal of religious freedom. Williams, banished from Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
for his beliefs, founded this colony as a refuge where all could come to worship as their conscience dictated without interference from the state. This park is the 20th smallest national park in the nation.
The park's visitor center features an exhibit and video about Roger Williams and the founding of Rhode Island, as well as information about historic sites in Providence.
Administrative history
The national memorialNational Memorial
National Memorial is a designation in the United States for a protected area that memorializes a historic person or event. National memorials are authorized by the United States Congress...
was authorized on October 22, 1965. As with all historic areas administered by the National Park Service
National Park Service
The National Park Service is the U.S. federal agency that manages all national parks, many national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties with various title designations...
, the memorial was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
on October 15, 1966. As of 2006, it is the only unit of the National Park System in Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
. Touro Synagogue National Historic Site in Newport
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
is an affiliated area of the National Park Service, but not formally part of the system.
External links
- Official NPS website: Roger Williams National Memorial