October 8th
Coastline of Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the U.S. To put it in perspective, you could fit 165 Rhode Island’s in the state of Texas! The state motto is “Size doesn’t matter!”.
Newport Harbor
A few other random facts and trivia we learned today thanks to the Princess Cruise Line port guide and/or our tour guide include:
There are two previous summer white houses located in Newport. In fact they are practically right next door.
Eisenhower Summer White House
Kennedy White House (Jackie’s family home)
Jackie won a contest as a child when she designed this lighthouse style home
Rhode Island is made up of 35 islands.
A Dutch explorer originally named the state “Roodt Eylandt” which means “red Island” referring to the red clay lining the shore.
Regal Princess in Newport Harbor
It maybe the smallest state, but it has the longest official name, “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations”.
The White Horse Tavern in Newport is the oldest operating tavern in the United States.
Several sports got introduced in Newport including the first polo match played in the United States in 1876, the first U.S. Open golf tournament and the first automobile race in 1895. The Tennis Hall of Fame is located here.
But the real story of Newport is linked back to early settlement days when Providence, Portsmouth and Newport were established by those seeking political and religious freedom between 1636 and 1639.
Loved these bright flowers
Newport became a major port city in the Triangle Trade where sugar and molasses was imported from the West Indies, converted to rum locally and then shipped to Africa as part of the slave trade.
Huge fortunes were made. The British government wanted a share of the revenue in the form of taxes. The people of Rhode Island vehemently opposed the taxation and conflicts arose. This was but a precursor to the American War of Independence.
Canada Geese
After the revolution, Newport rebuilt and thrived. They became the epicenter of America’s Gilded Age of prosperity and opulence. The aristocracy of the Industrial Age chose Newport as their summer playground and the legendary “summer cottages” became their legacy.
Today several of these mansions, once owned by such prominent families as the Vanderbilts, Morgans and Astor’s, have been preserved and are open to the public to tour. Four of the more well-known mansions include The Breakers, Rosecliff, The Elms and Marble House.
We chose a tour called Grand Mansions & Ocean Scenic Drive. Taking a 20 minute tender ride from the ship to our pier, we loaded onto a clean, roomy bus. Some noted points included driving past St Mary’s Church where Jacqueline Bouvier married John F. Kennedy, Jackie family home and the Eisenhower home.
The Elms, National Historic Landmark
But the true highlight was a tour through The Elms which was owned by the Berwind family who made their money in the coal industry. Used for only six to eight weeks during the summer, lavish parties were thrown and enjoyed by other monied guests.
Here are some pictures showing some of the major rooms of the mansion:
Over entry door at The Elms
Grand staircase
His Library
Sitting room
We had scheduled an afternoon walking tour in town, but it was raining sideways with gusting wind and we decided to return to the ship instead.
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful to have gotten a glimpse of life behind the curtains of the mega wealthy from an era I have only read about. I can not fathom the extreme measures that were taken to be the ultimate hostess.
A Note From Abroad 
All most interesting and informative. Like you, whenever I’ve toured some of the magnificent mansions, castles and buildings in various parts of the UK and abroad – most recently a ‘stuffed’ castle in Copenhagen, I can’t get my head around the need for so many treasures and wealth. I suppose it’s a case of ‘to the manor born…’ What an endlessly fascinating world we live in, eh! Continue in good health. Best wishes. Joy xx
LikeLike
Joy, I find myself on the opposite extreme now having sold our home. Downsizing seems to be where we are most comfortable – at the moment anyway…
LikeLike
Love following your blog. After reading this post, I am reminiscing about my trip there several years ago with friends. Loved the Elms, ate at the tavern. If you ever get a chance and haven’t yet be sure to visit Rough Point the former estate of Doris Duke. It’s fabulous! Also, what type of camera do you use?
LikeLike
Linda, we drove past Doris Duke’s Rough Point, but sadly did not have the opportunity to see the interior. Most of our photos are taken on a tiny pocket sized point and shoot camera, a Sony Rx100. I am currently using version V, but we started with versions I and II. All of them are excellent. They are not an inexpensive camera, but we are pleased with the quality of photos we are able to capture with them.
LikeLike
You get some wondeful photos from that little camera!
LikeLike
Thank you. We have been very happy with the little Sony RX100.
LikeLike
It’s a shame you didn’t get to wander the town, it is truly quaint and lovely. When I lived in So New England, I sued to love to visit the mansions at Christmas times – the Elms was always especially pretty all decorated for the season. Not very authentic as the family wasn’t there for Christmas, but pretty any way.
It is unbelievable that there was such wealth and a need to show it off that these beautiful mansions were built – but how fortunate that the good folk of Newport worked to save them from decay and destruction once the gilded age ended and reality (the depression) rolled in.
LikeLike
I was shocked to learn that they only used these incredible homes for only such a short time each summer. And yes, I am so thankful that the Historical Preservation Society has done such a great job of renovating and restoring so that we can enjoy them today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It certainly was an era of conspicuous consumption, wasn’t it? And we thought we were bad. 😉
LikeLike
I know that we most certainly do not hold a candle to the extravagant lifestyle they lead – nor would I want to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree! I can’t imagine living like that.
LikeLike
Another name for The Elms might be Conspicuous Consumption. (grin) We experienced the same rainstorm since you were about an hour away. 🙂 –Curt
LikeLike
Thankful that the weather has now improved. Hope you are having as much fun as we are!
LikeLike
Great to be here with our three lively grandkids and their parents. And I really like the small New England coastal villages. –Curt
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those waves looked rather angry. I have been to one of the Vanderbilt homes, I think it was and Hearst castle in CA and although I’m always craving a larger home, I can’t imagine nor would I want a home of such magnitude. I can’t imagine it allows one to really form a bond or closeness to anyone. I could be wrong. Now land is another thing. Give me space between neighbors.
LikeLike
I would have enjoyed seeing one of the Vanderbilt homes, but one must pick and choose when time ashore is limited. I’m all for the simple like these days 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
VIsiting the palaces of the rich, either here or in Europe is just an eye opening experience for us measly poor folk. Sounds like the adventure is ramping up. Hope the weather makes a turn for the good.
LikeLike
Today (Tuesday) was cool, but sunny. Much more enjoyable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am fascinated by history and seeing glimpses of it come to life; thank you for sharing the pics inside the mansion! The extravagance is mind boggling and I would love to know what the owners would think of the modern “tiny house” movement!
LikeLike
HaHa, from one extreme to another.
LikeLike
I am originally from Rhode Island and love seeing other people explore the state! I visited Versailles last year but think the Elms and Breakers are just as grand on the interior.
LikeLike
Similar opulence, but Versailles wins for mere size.
LikeLike
JoAnne! Thoroughly enjoyed your post! On Monday, my husband and I toured The Breakers! On one of the ceilings, 40 Italian artisans were hired to do a mosaic….the pieces had to be broken and then placed together like a puzzle…that was just one of the outrageous things we learned about the decorating of this house. Today, we toured Rosecliff, Marble House, Chateau Sur Mer, and The Elm. They were all incredible as was the story behind each. We had perfect weather today. I wanted to walk on the Cliff Walk and do a trolley tour on the Ocean Road, but could not squeeze that into our day. I always enjoy your posts and your photos.
LikeLike
Wow! How fantastic that you got to visit all of those magnificent mansions. The Breakers was the one I most regret not seeing. Was it your favorite?
LikeLike
Thanks for the tour of one of the few states I have never visited. I can tell from your post that I would really enjoy going there.
LikeLike
It may be tiny, but certainly worthy of a visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought you might be interested to know the name of the yellow flower. It is Allamanda Cathartica aka Trumpet Vine, a native of Brazil. It grows well here in sub-tropical and tropical areas of Australia.
LikeLike
Thank you so much for identifying it for us. I am always hopeful that someone will help out. I will update the picture as soon as I get better Internet service.
LikeLike
Pingback: Newport,Rhode Island – SEO
Nice post about Newport! I first visited probably 35 years ago when a friend was caretaker for one of the mansions, and enjoyed seeing the area as a “local”. Then the hub and I visited 12 or so years ago on a motorcycle trip, and we walked the Cliff Walk but did not enter any of the houses. The opulence turns me off these days, as I am in the simpler is better mode lately. I do love the oreo cows in the field in front of Jackie O’s family home! 🙂
LikeLike
We too are in a downsizing, less is more stage in our lives, but I still enjoyed seeing the artistic splendor from a bygone era.
LikeLiked by 1 person