Providence Brown University walking tour

This scavenger hunt has a difficulty level of MODERATE.

Your group’s size should be between 2 and 6 persons. In fact, children are welcome.

After purchase, to begin your Providence Brown University walking tour, direct yourself outside the Brown University Visitors Center, Faunce House, 75 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02912, United States. This is the start location.

Once there, log in to this website on your smartphone and begin your hunt.

Also, you’ll need a fully charged smartphone connected to the Internet (LTE, or 4G with a data plan, Wifi isn’t available throughout). Instructions will be supplied on-screen or directions and challenges, as well as some historical information.

Ancient History

The Narragansett people lived along the shores of Narragansett Bay before the arrival of European settlers. Indeed, they engaged in fishing, hunting, and agriculture. Moreover, their sophisticated social structures and deep connection to the land are evident in the archaeological remains and oral traditions that have been passed down through generations.

In 1636, Roger Williams, a Puritan theologian, founded Providence after being banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for his religious beliefs. Williams established the settlement as a haven for religious dissenters, securing land from the Narragansett sachems Canonicus and Miantonomo. The early years of Providence were marked by cooperation between the settlers and the Indigenous peoples, although tensions and conflicts eventually arose as more European settlers arrived.

Modern History

In the 18th century, Providence, Rhode Island, played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War, providing leadership, troops, and supplies to support the fight for independence. The city experienced economic growth through trade and manufacturing, becoming a major center for the production of textiles, machinery, and other goods. The construction of the Providence and Worcester Railroad in the mid-19th century further connected the city to other parts of the country, facilitating its expansion and development.

The 20th century brought both challenges and revitalization to Providence. The Great Depression hit the city hard, but it eventually recovered through public investment and urban renewal projects. In recent decades, Providence has transformed into a vibrant cultural and educational hub, with institutions like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design contributing to its dynamic arts scene1. Today, we celebrate Providence for its rich history, diverse population, and thriving creative community.