Roger Williams National Memorial
A small national park marking the city’s founding, telling the story of religious freedom pioneer Roger Williams and his settlement.
In 1636, Roger Williams, exiled from Massachusetts, founded Providence beside this spring. The settlement set a precedent for the separation of church and state and for religious freedom. The memorial is run by the National Park Service. The visitor center has a brief exhibit and a film, and the original spring well is preserved on the grounds. Admission is free, and a visit takes about 30 minutes. It makes a good northern starting point for a walking tour along Benefit Street.
Opening hours
Visitor center approx. 09:00–16:30; shorter in winter
Nearby sights
- Prospect Terrace Park
- Rhode Island State House
- First Baptist Church in America
- Benefit Street
- RISD Museum
- Westminster Arcade
- Providence Athenaeum
- John Hay Library