Roger Williams National Memorial: Founding of Religious Freedom
In the heart of Providence, Rhode Island, an easily and often overlooked park pays tribute to one of America’s founding figures. Covering just over four acres, the Roger Williams National Memorial is a peaceful urban park that honors Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island and a pioneer of religious freedom and separation of church and state. The memorial offers a snapshot of early American history.
Who Was Roger Williams?
Roger Williams arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1631, but his progressive views on religious tolerance and fair dealings with Native Americans led to his banishment.
In 1636, after being expelled by the Massachusetts Bay Colony for his beliefs, he fled into the wilderness during the harsh New England winter. With the help of the local Narragansett tribe, he survived and later secured land from them to establish a new settlement: Providence.
Unlike Massachusetts’s rigid theocracy, Providence was built on principles of tolerance and liberty. Williams welcomed people of all faiths—including Baptists, Quakers, and even those without religion—creating one of the first true havens of religious freedom in America. His ideas and principles later influenced the formation of the United States’ commitment to religious liberty.
Williams also insisted on fair treatment of Native Americans, learning their languages, and advocating for their land rights. This put him at odds with many of his contemporaries, but it earned him the respect of the indigenous people.
Williams continued championing liberty throughout his life until his death in March 1683.
What to do at the Roger Williams National Memorial
We visited in the late summer on a weekend afternoon. It was beautiful outside, with just a few wispy clouds in the deep blue sky. My wife and I were unfamiliar with Williams and unsure of what to expect. We parked right next to the memorial, which looks much more like a city park than a National Park Service site.
We walked over to the Visitor Center, which is located in the Antram-Gray House, one of the oldest structures in Providence. Heading inside, we were greeted by a park ranger, who briefly explained Williams and the monument. Afterward, we sat down to watch a short park film.
Although the Visitor Center was small, some great exhibits still explored Williams’s history and the local Native American tribes.
Outside, we walked around the small park and read a few signs. A few more informational signs detailed the story of Roger Williams and the early days of Providence. There was also information about Narragansett and Wampanoag history, recognizing the Indigenous peoples who lived in the region long before European settlers arrived.
Nearby Things To See
Roger Williams Square
Roger Williams Square is worth a visit. A monument here commemorates the location where Williams landed in 1636. Williams initially landed at Slate Rock, a large boulder on the shore of the Seekonk River. Think of it as the “Plymouth Rock” of Rhode Island. It was believed to be where the Narragansetts greeted Williams with the famous phrase, “What cheer, netop?” Unfortunately, Slate Rock was accidentally blown up by city workers in 1877 who were trying to expose a buried portion of the stone. While doing so, they used too much dynamite and “blasted to pieces.”
Prospect Terrace Park
No visit to Providence would be complete without visiting Prospect Terrace Park in the College Hill neighborhood of the city. It is known as “The Jewel of the City” for its dramatic views of Downtown Providence. It’s also where Roger Williams and his wife Mary are buried, at the base of a statue honoring him.
A visit to the Roger Williams National Memorial can easily be combined with other nearby landmarks:
Rhode Island State House – The impressive capitol building with a stunning dome, open for tours.
RISD Museum – Showcasing world-class art collections from ancient to contemporary times.
Benefit Street’s Mile of History – A stretch of colonial-era homes and museums, ideal for history lovers.
Planning Your Visit to the Roger William National Memorial
- Location: 282 North Main Street, Providence, RI
- Hours: The park is open year-round; the Visitor Center has seasonal hours.
- Admission: Free
Whether you’re a tourist in Providence or a local exploring the city’s rich history, the Roger Williams National Memorial is an incredible destination to visit. It may be small, but it is undoubtedly a significant site that tells the story of one of America’s most forward-thinking founders.
