slides: James Clayton Sattel’s RI Views: Warren

Historic Warren

One of the best things about Warren is how "real" its Main Street is. The historic and touristy blends with the basic, and the result is a wonderful juxtaposition of color and style.

Doorways

Too often, Bristol and farther-flung Newport steal the historic spotlight, but Warren is every bit as historic. Originally part of the Plymouth Colony and then the Massachusetts Bay Colony (along with all of East Bay), what became Warren was was ceded to Rhode Island from Massachusetts in 1747.

Many of these doorways are from the late 18th and early 19th century.

Historic homes

The town was named "Warren" after a British naval hero, Admiral Sir Peter Warren, after a victory at Louisburg in 1745. At the time of cession in 1747, Barrington was unified with Warren, until it was separated again in 1770.

This house dates from 1761.

Historic details

While not all of the homes may bear those beautiful plaques from the Warren Preservation Society, they are still very old, and the town also adds wonderful details to the streetscape with these historically appropriate street lights.

Historic details II

You have to blink to remember that it is NOT 1761! (Okay, that's an electric light...)

Restoration

Warren continues to look for ways to connect with the past. The last several years have seen a beautiful renovation of this building, right in the center of the town's commercial district.

Federal Blues

Passionate modern-day Rhode Islanders keep the past alive, with organizations like the Federal Blues Rhode Island Militia (RIM). Based in Warren, the Blues are a historic militia that participate in parades, encampments, reenactments, and more. Here's their base.

Narragansett Steam

This restored fire barn housed the Narragansett Steam Fire Co. #3 in the 1800's and houses The Little Hero, the first fire engine purchased by Warren in 1802. 

Something old

The love of the old doesn't stop at buildings, in Warren. This small town is one of the best spots for antiquing in the region, and draws shoppers from all over New England.

Imagine

But not everything is pristine and reverential when it comes to Warren historic properties! This building on Route 114 takes the cake for adding high style to historic bones!

Churches

You can't photograph a town in Rhode Island without becoming captivated at some point by its churches. Here, the First Baptist Church rises solidly and proudly past the fall trees.

Town Hall

Rhode Island is also famous for beautiful town halls, and Warren is no exception. I love the brick work that reveal the town name and founding.