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John Brown House Museum

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John Brown House Museum Review

Rhode Island's most famous 18th-century home was the stately residence of John Brown, a wealthy businessman and privateer, slave trader, politician, and China Trade merchant. Built in 1786-88, John Brown's stately, three-story brownstone-trimmed, brick mansion was designed by his brother Joseph Brown, who also designed the First Baptist Meeting House. The house is a perfect example of late-Georgian-early-Federal design and made quite the impression on John Quincy Adams, who called it "the most magnificent and elegant private mansion that I have ever seen on this continent." An ardent patriot, John Brown was a famous participant in the burning of the British customs ship Gaspee in 1772.

    Contact Information

  • Address: 52 Power St., East Side, Providence, RI, 02903 | Map It
  • Phone: 401/273-7507 Ext. 62
  • Cost: $8
  • Hours: Tours Apr.--Nov., Tues.--Fri. 1:30 and 3, Sat. 10:30, noon, 1:30, and 3; Dec.--Mar., Fri and Sat. 10:30, noon, 1:30, and 3
  • Website: www.rihs.org
  • Location: Providence

Fodorite Reviews

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    Good historic house with excellent tour

    Very pleasing Georgian-style house with a later Victorian era add-on (you mostly see the older part of the dwelling). Has plenty of furniture and personal effects, plus a small pre-tour display area. Tour is thoroughly detailed (about 90 minutes) and very informative. Tour times limited, check before you go.

    by bachslunch, 5/13/09

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