Bristol, Rhode Island

 

 

Steeped in a rich history that spans three (3) centuries, Bristol is a quintessential New England waterfront town. The town center is listed on the National register of Historic Places and with its unwavering commitment to preservation, Bristol continues to maintain the charm of a historic port town. The well preserved waterfront district contains the commercial enterpises, civic buildings, churches, mills, sailor's shacks and slave-traders' mansions that tell the history of Bristol's deveopment since its founding in 1680.

 

 

Bristol holds the distinction of having the oldest, continuous Fourth of July Celebration in America. The Celebration, first held in 1785, was started by Bristolians who actually took part in the Revolutionary War thus welding a permanent tie with the modern Celebration. Bristol's original fervor in celebarting Independence Day was nurtured by extreme hardships suffered during the Revolution. The fervor continues today as Bristol becomes the most patriotic town in America during the three (3) week Celebartion which culminates in a gala Parade on Independence Day watched by over 200,000 people. 

 

 

Sailing and ship building have played an important role in the life of Bristol since the 17th Century. Today Bristol is the home of several shipbuilding companies that have local and international reputations for quality and workmanship. Included in the portfolio are several America's Cup yachts. In 1995, Bristol became the home of the America's Cup Hall of Fame.

 

Bristol is the cultural center for Bristol County as it is home to eight fine museums and Roger Williams University. The town also remains a center of history with many homes built in the 1700s and 1800s.