The Old State House

The Old State House, on a lot bordered by Benefit and North Main Streets, was the site of colonial and state government for 149 years. Completed in 1762, it was in this building that Rhode Island renounced allegiance to the British on May 4, 1776, the first of the thirteen colonies to do so. Here, in 1852 our state legislature was among the first to abolish the death penalty. 

The Old State House is one of five former Rhode Island state houses, one built in each of the state’s counties to accommodate public access to rotating sessions of the General Assembly. 

Learn more from the RI Historic Preservation & Heritage Commission