The Newport Colony House, built in 1739, is the fourth oldest statehouse still standing in the United States. It was designed by builder/architect Richard Munday, who also designed Trinity Church and the Seventh Day Baptist Meeting House in Newport. Munday derived the design from the English Georgian style popularized by architect Sir Christopher Wren, but with a floor plan that follows the customary layout of English town or guild halls, which often had an open marketplace on the ground floor and civic offices on the second.
The Colony House has played many civic and historic roles over the years, from serving as a barracks during the British Occupation of Newport to operating as a French-run hospital shortly after. It has also hosted a grand banquet honoring George Washington and served as the yearly location of wildly popular 19th Century “Lection Day” festivities.
PARKING
Street parking only, both free and metered. We suggest patrons allow at least 20 minutes to locate parking.
Closest paid lots are the Turo St. Lot (4 min. walk), Mary St. Lot (7 min. walk) or the Newport Gateway Center Lot (12 min. walk).
View the Full Parking Guide Here
ACCESSIBILITY
*This venue is temporarily not wheelchair accessible. *
The Historical Society has informed us that the accessible wheelchair lift at The Colony House is temporarily out of order due to an electrical issue. For those who require assistance, volunteers will be available to help guests navigate the stairs.
