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Welcome To KEY TO THE CITY's Page For
Bristol
Bristol County, Rhode Island
ZipCodes
02809
History & History-related items
Chamber of Commerce.
Community news
Organizations, Churches, and Sports.
A rebellion by Wampanoag Indians against the settlers spawned the first battle of the war in 1675. The leader, Metacom, led the uprising because of the land purchased by settlers from his father, Massasoit. After he was defeated, this area remained in Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. Later, in 1747, the area was annexed into Rhode Island. Due to its location along Narragansett Bay, Bristol has always had a large relationship with the sea and all the related activities. Sailing and ship building were strong points in the area. It was a major port during the Revolutionary War and suffered through several attacks by British troops. Many of the period homes are still standing and have been restored.
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Attractions
Bristols Fourth of July Celebration
Established in 1785, this is the oldest continuous celebration in the United States.
Blithewold Mansion & Gardens
Ferry Road, Rte 114
Phone:401-253-2707
Former summer home of Pennsylvania coal magnate, Augustus Van Wickle, this estate has 33 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens which overlook Narragansett Bay and Bristol harbor. The home has 45 rooms. The arboreta features 50,000 flowering spring bulbs, a Japanese water garden, exotic bamboo and the largest giant redwood east of the Rockies. Please call ahead for details and hours of operation.
Bristol Historical and Preservation Society Museum and Library
48 Court Street
Bristol, RI
Phone: 401-253-7223
Originally built as a county jail using stone ballast from Bristol sailing ships. A two-tier jail was added in 1859. Please call ahead to make appointments for visiting.
Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology
Brown University
Tower Street, off Route 136
Phone: 401-253-8388
Located on the traditional lands of the Wampanoag peoples, the Museum has artifacts from the native peoples of the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. Please call ahead for hours of operation.
Herreshoff Marine Museum & America's Cup Hall of Fame
One Burnside Street
Bristol, RI
Phone: 401-253-5000
Located at the site of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, whose products dominated the "Golden Age of Yachting." A collection of 50 classic sailing and power yachts built from 1859 to 1945, steam engines, fittings, photographs and memorabilia. The Herreshoffs built eight consecutive successful America's Cup defenders between 1893 and 1934 and the first torpedo boats for the US Navy. Please call for hours of operation.
East Bay Tourism Council
PO Box 588
Warren, RI 02885
Phone: 401-245-0750
Toll-free: 888-278-9948
Coggeshall Farm
Bristol, RI
A living farm museum
Bristol Train of Artillery
135 State Street
Bristol, RI 02809
PHone: 401-521-9136
Open by appointment only
See rare specimens of military weapons and artifacts, shoulder arms, sabers, documents and other memorabilia of BTA members dating back to the American Revolution.
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Bristol is the county seat of Bristol County
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