Rich in
history, Newport prides itself on being a vibrant community offering
a wide variety of events and activities year-round. Whether you were
drawn here to enjoy the music festivals, yachting regattas, mansion
tours, professional tennis at the Newport Casino or a day at the
beach, Newport offers you a picturesque location to relax and enjoy.
This unique island community instantly blends the old and the new
- colonial homes stand feet away from modern condominiums and
offices. The bustling harbor glistens as elegant yachts, luxury
liners and lobster boats compete for space. All of these combined
are the charm that is Newport.
Founded in 1639, Newport's first residents were settlers seeking
religious freedom. The area was soon recognized for its ideal trade
location and quickly developed into one of the major seaports on the
east coast. Beautiful schooners and trade ships billowed into the
harbor, crowding the wooden docks and bringing exotic treasures.
Ironically, this haven of religious tolerance became a key point
of the infamous Triangle Trade. So called because of the triangular
route taken to reach the three main shipping ports, the industry was
an extension of the slave trade. African slaves were traded for West
Indian sugar and molasses. These in turn were made into Newport rum
and traded for slaves. During this time pineapples first found their
way into Newport homes. Now the city's symbol of hospitality,
pineapples were originally brought here by Newport sea captains
after trips to the West Indies. A pineapple was placed in front of
the voyagers' home to indicate to neighbors and friends that his
door was open to visitors.
Newport's era as a seaport diminished with the British occupation
of 1776. British ships blockaded the harbor, and residents were
forced to use the city's timber wharves for firewood during the
brutally cold winter.
However, Newport was rediscovered in the 1800's by the country's
wealthy citizens as the ideal location to spend their summers.
Suddenly, elaborate mansions and villas sprung up along Bellevue
Avenue and Ocean Drive - each more ornate and luxurious than the one
next door. These "summer cottages" provided the perfect backdrop for
‘The 400,' an elite group of the very rich. This extravagant era
officially opened the door to America's first resort.
Today, Newport enjoys a grand reputation as an ideal place to
vacation. The beaches and lazy summer days provide the perfect
setting to enjoy the wide variety of events and activities featured
on this site. We think you'll agree that there truly is something
for everyone.
Special
Search Form
