Thames Street, Newport
Thames Street, a historic thoroughfare in Newport, is one of the oldest continuously used streets in the state and serves as the primary street in downtown Newport. It runs parallel to the picturesque waterfront, offering both residents and visitors a charming blend of history and vibrant commerce.
Thames Street has a rich history that dates back to Newport's early days. In 1654, it was officially laid out as one of the original two streets in the city, playing a crucial role in connecting the city's numerous wharfs with its urban center. The street derives its name from the River Thames in London, England, which was the homeland of many of the early colonists who settled in Newport. The street itself serves as a testament to the area's deep historical ties to England.
The northern section of Thames Street commences near the Common Burying Ground and meanders through several blocks that were once a Quaker settlement in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, situated near Easton's Point. Many colonial-era buildings line this part of the street, offering a glimpse into Newport's early history. Remarkably, these historic structures continue to house various commercial establishments, adding to the street's unique character.
In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the southern part of Thames Street saw a significant Irish population settling in the area. This multicultural influence contributed to the street's dynamic and diverse atmosphere, making it a vibrant and lively part of Newport.
Today, Thames Street retains its significance as the primary artery of downtown Newport. It features a delightful array of restaurants, shops, inns, and bars that cater to a wide range of tastes and interests. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, indulging in delectable cuisine, or shopping for unique souvenirs, Thames Street stands as the bustling heart of the "City by the Sea," inviting all to savor its rich heritage and modern vibrancy.
Thames Street has a rich history that dates back to Newport's early days. In 1654, it was officially laid out as one of the original two streets in the city, playing a crucial role in connecting the city's numerous wharfs with its urban center. The street derives its name from the River Thames in London, England, which was the homeland of many of the early colonists who settled in Newport. The street itself serves as a testament to the area's deep historical ties to England.
The northern section of Thames Street commences near the Common Burying Ground and meanders through several blocks that were once a Quaker settlement in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, situated near Easton's Point. Many colonial-era buildings line this part of the street, offering a glimpse into Newport's early history. Remarkably, these historic structures continue to house various commercial establishments, adding to the street's unique character.
In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the southern part of Thames Street saw a significant Irish population settling in the area. This multicultural influence contributed to the street's dynamic and diverse atmosphere, making it a vibrant and lively part of Newport.
Today, Thames Street retains its significance as the primary artery of downtown Newport. It features a delightful array of restaurants, shops, inns, and bars that cater to a wide range of tastes and interests. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, indulging in delectable cuisine, or shopping for unique souvenirs, Thames Street stands as the bustling heart of the "City by the Sea," inviting all to savor its rich heritage and modern vibrancy.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Newport. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Thames Street on Map
Sight Name: Thames Street
Sight Location: Newport, USA (See walking tours in Newport)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Newport, USA (See walking tours in Newport)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Newport, Rhode Island
Create Your Own Walk in Newport
Creating your own self-guided walk in Newport is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bellevue Avenue Historic District Walking Tour
Situated along and around Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island, the Bellevue Avenue Historic District is almost exclusively residential, featuring many of the Gilded Age mansions built as summer retreats for the rich and famous around the turn of the 20th century. For the most part, these exquisite properties, once owned by the likes of the Vanderbilt and Astor families, represent pioneering... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Newport Historic District Walking Tour
The Newport Historic District covers 250 acres (100 hectares) in the center of Newport, Rhode Island, and has been a National Historic Landmark since 1968. Home to an extensive and well-preserved assortment of intact colonial buildings dating from the early to mid-18th century, the collection of colonial buildings here is incomparable to anywhere else in the US. So much so in fact, that in 1997,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Newport Introduction Walking Tour
Newport, Rhode Island, is where history meets coastal charm... From its origins as a shipbuilding port to its place today as America's yachting capital, Newport has been tied to the sea.
The city was founded in 1639 on Rhode Island, now known as Aquidneck Island, and was named after the town of Newport in Shropshire, England. Its history is a tapestry of religious tolerance and maritime... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
The city was founded in 1639 on Rhode Island, now known as Aquidneck Island, and was named after the town of Newport in Shropshire, England. Its history is a tapestry of religious tolerance and maritime... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles