Rhode Island Bristol

Bristol is a town and the county seat of Bristol County in eastern Rhode Island, 13 miles (21 km) southeast of Providence. It is located on a peninsula between Narragansett Bay and Mount Hope Bay. The communities of Beach Terrace and Bristol are part of it, and Mount Hope Bridge connects it to Rhode (Aquidneck) Island in the south.

Bristol, which has a population of 23,000, is easily reachable via Route 195 from Routes 114 or 136 as well as Route 24 from the Mount Hope Bridge.

History of Bristol, RI

Bristol, England was the inspiration for the town’s name when it was founded in 1681 by Plymouth Colony on land it had obtained in 1676, just before the end of King Philip’s (Indian) War (1675–76). In August 1676, the Wampanoag war chief Metacom (Philip) was assassinated close by.

Before being annexed by Rhode Island in 1746, Bristol was governed by Massachusetts. On October 7, 1775, and May 25, 1778, British forces stormed it during the American Revolution and largely destroyed it. Bristol Harbor, a hub of privateering and the triangle trade (rum, molasses, and slaves) in the 18th century, is now primarily utilized by pleasure ships.

Ambrose E. Burnside, a general in the American Civil War and the governor of Rhode Island founded the Burnside Rifle Company there in 1853. The company later merged with the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. Eight consecutively successful America’s Cup defenders (racing boats) were built at the Herreshoff Boatyard (which closed in 1945); the location is now a marine museum with the America’s Cup Hall of Fame.

Bristol serves as Providence’s residential suburb. Boat building (yachts and sailboats), as well as the production of textiles, equipment, plastics, and rubber goods, are among its industries. The Bristol campus of 1919-founded Roger Williams University, which is currently the main campus, was created in 1969.

4th of July Celebration

Bristol Fourth of July Celebration, also known as Bristol Fourth of July Celebration (formal name: Military, Civic and Firemen’s Parade), was established in 1785 and is a well-known Fourth of July parade in the United States. The parade is a component of the oldest Independence Day event in the country.

The Bristolians who actually took part in the Revolutionary War launched the celebration, which was first held in 1785, forging a lasting connection with our current celebrations. Bristol’s initial patriotic ardor was fueled by the severe hardships endured during the Revolution.

This enthusiasm still exists today as Bristol transforms into possibly the most patriotic town in America throughout the course of the three-week Celebration, which culminates in the grand Parade on Independence Day that attracts over 200,000 ardent spectators.

East Bay bike Path

Cycling can be done safely and without interference on the asphalt East Bay Bike path. The walk passes through State Parks, along coves and marshes, and over bridges, and allows users to take in the sights, sounds, and fragrances. The northernmost portion of this bike path will eventually connect to the currently under-development Blackstone Bikeway.

The State of Rhode Island’s first bicycle facility is the East Bay Bike Path. The RI Department of Transportation constructed it between 1987 and 1992 in four stages. It spans 13.8 miles, measures 10 feet in width, and links eight parks: India Point Park in Providence, Bold Point and Squantum Woods in East Providence, Haines and Veteran’s Memorial Park in Barrington, Burr’s Hill Park in Warren, Colt State Park, and Independence Park in Bristol.

Landmarks of Bristol, RI

Blithewold Mansion

Blithewold, a 33-acre summer residence with magnificent views of Narragansett Bay, is one of the most completely formed and genuine representations of the Country Place era and is of national significance in American history. The property has a 45-room mansion furnished with family artifacts and is surrounded by a collection of beautiful gardens that have many personalities, from mysterious to exotic to poetic to useful.

Belton Court

Barrington, Rhode Island’s Belton Court, sometimes referred to as Ferrin Hall, Barrington College, Gibson Memorial Building, and Peck Mansion is a notable estate. Frederick Stanhope Peck, a businessman, socialite, and prominent politician in Rhode Island, commissioned the construction of the home. Barrington College and the Zion Bible Institute used the home and the surrounding land as their campuses later in the 20th century.

Bristol Ferry Lighthouse

A historic lighthouse can be found near Bristol, Rhode Island, in the United States. It is situated at Bristol Point, the northern land point of Mount Hope Bay, at the base of the Mount Hope Bridge, on the shores of Narragansett Bay.

Mount Hope Bridge

This bridge is one of the famous engineer David Steinman’s masterpieces. It is well-known for its lovely stiffening truss and magnificent gothic towers. At each bent point, the plate girder approach spans have distinctive and exquisite arching embellishments.

Hope Street

Beautiful street with trees and imposing older homes. This street is home to the lively town library as well as a few stores and indie eateries. It is one of the favorite places to visit for visitors and Bristol residents. Additionally, it is also the home of many local businesses all over the town.

Independence Park

The picturesque 4-acre park has a boardwalk, concrete walkways, a fountain, public facilities, and stunning sunset views. It is situated at the beginning of the East Bay Bike path on lovely Bristol Harbor. It hosts the Labor Day “Last Night” Concert with the Rhode Island Philharmonic and is intended for passive relaxation.

Bristol Waterfront Historic District

The historical center of Bristol, Rhode Island, which was planned in 1680 by the first town settlers, is now covered by the Bristol Waterfront Historic District. It extends from Bristol Harbor to the east side of Wood Street, up to Washington Street in the north, and down to Walker Cove in the south.

The Town Common, which was a component of the original layout and serves as the town’s civic center, and the shoreline area on the west side of the district are its two most significant sections. It is the only planned community of such a significant age in the state and one of the few.

Bristol Christmas Festival in Town

In order to highlight the community’s rich past, Dorothy “Dottie” Cordeiro believed that Bristol required some holiday decorations in 1987. She proposed the idea of hosting an annual tree holiday lights ceremony in front of the famed Burnside Building on Hope Street to Halsey Herreshoff, the town administrator of Bristol at the time. Mr. Herreshoff thought the concept was so great that he suggested making it into a bigger event called The Grand Illumination.

Second, only to its Fourth of July celebrations, Bristol’s Grand Illumination and Christmas Festival celebrations have since assimilated into the fabric of the neighborhood. The yearly celebration is now one of the oldest and largest in New England and draws tens of thousands of visitors.

The town of Bristol offers a wide variety of activities. While exploring Bristol, visit one of its historical sites or art galleries, savor delectable cuisine at a nearby waterfront restaurant and go on a walking tour to learn more about the town. Take a traditional New England boat tour to explore the harbor and see everything that this coastal community has to offer. Get planning for your trip right away. Want to contribute to our website? We’re interested in hearing about any business or upcoming events you’d want to add to the Explore Bristol RI website.