The Former Providence Williams Family Farm - Roger Williams Park

Roger Williams Park is a 435-acre park and a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Providence, Rhode Island. The park is named after the founder of the city of Providence and the primary founder of the state of Rhode Island. The land granted to Williams in 1638, by the chief of the Narragansett tribe, had been a family farm. The land for the park was donated by Betsey Williams, Roger’s last descendant to inherit his land and the family farmhouse, built in 1773, is now known as the Betsey Williams Cottage.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

The Casino peaking through the trees.

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In the zoo

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Roger Williams: The Church and the State

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In 1872, Roger Williams Park Zoo, the country’s third oldest Zoo, opened with a collection of small animal exhibits within the newly formed park.

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The building in the background houses the carousel which was built in 1897 by the Rhode Island factory of Charles I.D. Looff. The original merry-go-round featured carved wooden horses with tails made from real horse hair. In 1937, this was replaced by a Philadelphia Toboggan merry-go-round with 66 hand-carved horses. Today, the carousel contains fiberglass reproductions of antique animals which were installed in 1990.

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The original 1901 bandstand jutted out over the lake and resembled a fishing pier. This was replaced in 1915 with an ornate structure supported by a dozen Corinthian columns. This structure had an ironic flaw -the acoustical dome produced an echo so most bands performed outside. The current wooden structure is an exact replica of the 1915 version with echo included.

The Williams family burial ground (including Betsey's grave) are still maintained within the park.

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The Colonial Revival-style Casino was designed by architect Edward T. Banning and built in 1896 at a cost $30,000. Today, the Casino is used as a venue.

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Lovers Retreat Bridge

The swan boats on the lake.

The Seal House, originally a shelter for the Zoo’s sea lions, was constructed in 1938, as part of a Works Progress Administration project. The stone structure echoes rustic WPA designs built throughout the country during the Great Depression.

In 1896, philanthropist Clark Dalyrymple funded the construction of this Queen Anne-style boathouse, designed by Martin and Hall. In the early 1900s, the boathouse was used as a launching pad for boats in summer and a warming station with hot cocoa for ice skaters in winter. The boathouse now houses Parks Department administrative offices and community meeting space.

In 1924, William T. Aldrich of Bellows & Aldrich, Boston, designed the Temple to Music in a natural amphitheater on the shore of Cunliff Lake. Made of Vermont marble, the classical design was chosen to show the parallel origins of music and architecture, following the wishes of the man who donated the money, William Benedict, a prominent local olive oil merchant.

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What you should know:

• Most of the park is free admission with the exception of the zoo, the carousel, swan boat and tram rides all have additional charges.

• There is no interior public access to the Casino.

• Public restrooms are available.

• There are walking trails.

• On the street parking and parking lot options are available.

• There are a few cafe options.

• Check website for days and hours of operation, and any park events.

Location: Pine Hill Ave, Providence, RI 02907

For more information: Roger Williams Park