Newport was founded in 1639 and soon grew to become the most important port in colonial Rhode Island. Newport was also a major center of pirate activity during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

 

The American Revolution destroyed Newport's economic wealth, since years of military occupation closed the city to any form of trade. The Newport merchants moved away, some to Providence, others to Boston and New York.

Beginning in the mid-nineteenth century, wealthy southern planters seeking to escape the heat began to build summer cottages. Eventually wealthy Yankees also began constructing larger mansions nearby.  They were followed by the richest families in the country who constructed the largest "cottages", such as The Breakers in the late nineteenth century

 

Today tourists come to enjoy the beautiful beaches, take a sailing cruise on Newport Bay or tour The Newport Mansions. You can explore colonial Newport by taking a self-guided walking tour through the streets of the gas-lit Historic Hill District.

Newport also features some of the best restaurants in New England. From casual taverns to renowned French and Continental cuisine. Rhode Island tourism includes special events and festivals that are organized through-out the year, such as the Newport Music Festival (July), the Newport Jazz Festival (August), the International Boat Show (September) and many more.