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John Brown House (Providence, Rhode Island)
Encyclopedia
The John Brown House is the first mansion built in Providence, Rhode Island
. It is located along Power Street on College Hill
, which is adjacent to the borders of Brown University
. The house is named after the original owner and one of the early benefactors of the University, the early American merchant and statesman John Brown
. It was declared a National Historic Landmark
in 1968.
John Quincy Adams
considered the house "the most magnificent and elegant private mansion that I have ever seen on this continent."
, who is reported to have visited for tea.
The house was sold in 1901 to the prominent Rhode Island industrialist and banker Marsden J. Perry. Under Marsden's supervision, the extension was renovated to add in modern bathrooms and central heating
systems.
In 1942, the Brown family donated the house to the Rhode Island Historical Society
for preservation. The house was restored to its original colonial decor. The museum now contains many original furniture pieces provided by the Brown family estate.
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the third largest city in the New England region...
. It is located along Power Street on College Hill
College Hill, Providence, Rhode Island
College Hill is a neighborhood in Providence, Rhode Island, and one of six neighborhoods comprising the East Side of Providence and part of College Hill Historic District. It is roughly bounded by North Main Street to the west, Power Street to the south, Governor Street and Arlington Avenue to...
, which is adjacent to the borders of Brown University
Brown University
Brown University is a private, Ivy League university located in Providence, Rhode Island, United States. Founded in 1764 prior to American independence from the British Empire as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations early in the reign of King George III ,...
. The house is named after the original owner and one of the early benefactors of the University, the early American merchant and statesman John Brown
John Brown (Rhode Island)
John Brown I was an American merchant, slave trader, and statesman from Providence, Rhode Island. In 1764, John Brown joined his brothers Nicholas Brown and Moses Brown as well as William Ellery, the Baptist Reverend James Manning, the Baptist Reverend Isaac Backus, the Congregationalist Reverend...
. It was declared a National Historic Landmark
National Historic Landmark
A National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...
in 1968.
John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States . He served as an American diplomat, Senator, and Congressional representative. He was a member of the Federalist, Democratic-Republican, National Republican, and later Anti-Masonic and Whig parties. Adams was the son of former...
considered the house "the most magnificent and elegant private mansion that I have ever seen on this continent."
History
The original structure was built in 1786 by John Brown. Notable guests during this time include George WashingtonGeorge Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
, who is reported to have visited for tea.
Central heating
A central heating system provides warmth to the whole interior of a building from one point to multiple rooms. When combined with other systems in order to control the building climate, the whole system may be a HVAC system.Central heating differs from local heating in that the heat generation...
systems.
In 1942, the Brown family donated the house to the Rhode Island Historical Society
Rhode Island Historical Society
The Rhode Island Historical Society is a privately endowed membership organization, founded in 1822, dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Rhode Island...
for preservation. The house was restored to its original colonial decor. The museum now contains many original furniture pieces provided by the Brown family estate.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Providence, Rhode Island