Be There on May 4: Governor, Mayor Team Up to Unveil Rhode Island Independence Trail

Three-mile trail highlights more than four centuries of Rhode Island history, culture and architecture and folklore.

Join Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras on May 4 at 2PM to celebrate Rhode Island Independence Day with the unveiling of the Rhode Island Independence Trail - a walking tour of history, culture and architecture in downtown Providence.

The celebration and press conference will be held inside the Old State House at 150 Benefit Street, in the same room and on the 235th anniversary that the Rhode Island General Assembly declared its independence from the British crown.

The three-mile Independence Trail includes about 75 historical sites in downtown Providence, and covers more than four centuries of Rhode Island history, culture and architecture - from the birthplace of religious freedom, to the first shot in the fight against England, the spot where Lincoln spoke, a house where George Washington slept to a statue of General Ambrose Burnside, the Civil War General from Rhode Island whose famous facial hair coined the phrase "sideburns."

Governor Chafee and Mayor Taveras will use quill fountain pens to sign a memorandum of agreement on parchment between the state and city establishing the Independence Trail.

The development of the trail will be overseen by the nonprofit Independence Trail Educational Foundation, which will manage, promote and maintain the trail.

The event will include a chance to see a virtual tour of the trail and enjoy the Pawtuxet Rangers dressed in period clothing.

Robert I. Burke, a Providence restaurateur and historical enthusiast, founded the Independence Trail Educational Foundation and will be emcee of the event.