Rhode Island visit 2009

The state capitol building is made of white Georgian marble. On top is the world's fourth largest self-supported marble dome. Designed by the New York architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White, construction of the State House began in 1895 and continued until 1901. On the top of the dome stands the statue of the Independent Man.

Gold statue of Independent Man with spear & anchor on dome of Rhode Island State House. Providence, RI

Looking up into the Capitol dome

Beautiful murals painted when the State House was refurbished in the 1940's

At the center of the seal is an anchor, which symbolizes hope and reminds us of the importance of water to the Ocean State. Above the anchor is the word "Hope," drawn from the words of Roger Williams to the early settlers: "Hope in the Divine." A garland of leaves surrounds the shield which holds the anchor and around it all are the words "Seal of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 1636."

Senate chamber

Department of Transportation

Shopping and hotels in Providence, RI

Toll booths

Crossing the Jamestown Bridge on the way to Newport

We ate lunch at Clarke's Cookhouse Restaurant

There we are with our mussels and Donna's glass of wine

Bowen's Wharf, the historic center of activity in the harbor

If you wondering where the "old sea salts" went, they are watching Donna eat her lobster

Mr. Lobster on the platter with his friend, Miss Lemon Slice

Anne Kathryn the lady of the sea

fish nets ready to go

Miss Sea Star and her lobster traps

Newport pottery

Working the kiln

Throwing a pot in Newport, RI

A nice walk along Cliff Walk to view the mansions

Looking across Narragansett Bay

The Cliff Walk and the mansions

Mansions on Cliff Walk

The Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island’s largest cultural organization, preserves and protects the best of Newport County’s architectural heritage. It’s 11 historic properties and landscapes - seven of which are National Historic Landmarks - trace America’s architectural and social development from the Colonial era through the Gilded Age.

Several of these grand mansions are open for tours and it is fascinating to see how the aristocrats lived. These homes were called "summer cottages" and were only lived in for about 6-8 weeks during the summer season.

Cornelius Vanderbilt II built the famous "Breakers"

Another mansion

"The 40 Steps to the sea"

This is the last view of our visit to Rhode Island and its fabulous mansions