Rhode Island has a rich and extensive history of being both an independently thinking and revolutionary state. The heart of the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s, little Rhody still has many historic mills and symbols of this era. There are even various colonial buildings still intact allowing us to have some idea of what our state once looked like. Take a look at these pictures of the Ocean State dating back 100 years ago.
- Few things scream Rhode Island history like this image of a crowd at Rocky Point Amusement Park at the turn of the century.
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- This World War 1 monument formerly stood in the Downcity District of Providence in Memorial Square. Erected in the early 1900s, it was later moved just 100 feet to South Main Street.
Wikimedia/Historic American Buildings Survey
- Here is a rare look at the Naval War College in Newport in 1914. You can see Navy recruits in formation in the yard in this stunning image.
Wikipedia/US Navy
- Take a look at the original Union Station that stood in Providence from 1846 until a fire destroyed the structure in 1896.
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- Few people know Rhode Island College was orginally named Rhode Island Normal School. Here is what the college looked like in its entirety in 1909.
Wikimedia/Library of Congress
- The State Arsenal found in Providence was designed in 1839. This picture dates back to the 1920s.
Wikimedia/Internet Archive Book Images
- The Newport Artillery stands for a group photo in 1891 in this amazing picture.
Wikimedia/Newport Artillery Company
- Newport is the home of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and has a long history with the sport. The elaborate vintage attire at this Newport tennis match in 1901 is an incredible sight!
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- This image from a University of Rhode Island catalog is showing off the men’s dormitories in 1905. Check out this hundred-year-old dining area!
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- Slater Mill was nearing the end of its days as an active textile mill when this photo was taken at the turn of the century. This is an amazing image documenting the rich history of this site in Pawtucket.
Wikimedia/Historic American Buildings Survey
These photos are a great way to reflect on how we’ve grown and evolved as a state. Plus it’s always fun to check out the early 1900s vintage clothes!
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Wikimedia/Historic American Buildings Survey
Wikipedia/US Navy
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Wikimedia/Library of Congress
Wikimedia/Internet Archive Book Images
Wikimedia/Newport Artillery Company
Wikimedia/Patten W.
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