What Is the Rhode Island State House?
It’s the Rhode Island State House!
What Makes It Historical?
At the turn of the 20th Century, Rhode Island was the wealthiest state in the country per capita, and with all that money, it was time to retire the old state house for something grander! Enter the firm of McKim, Mead & White, already famous for their work on the Boston Public Library, Madison Square Garden, and the Agricultural Building at the World Columbian Expo in 1893! Here in Providence, the firm won the design contest with an enormous statehouse for the smallest state, made entirely from Georgian marble!
It took 9 whole years to build this capitol building, from September 16, 1895 until 1904, and at its completion, it boasted the fourth largest marble dome in the world, after St. Peter’s Basilica, the Minnesota State Capitol, and the Taj Mahal! It was also one of the first major public buildings to be electrified!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer with the Providence Preservation Society!
- Become a member of the Providence Preservation Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
82 Smith Street
Providence, RI 02903
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
The state house is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM!
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