In the blocks and neighborhoods immediately surrounding the Jailhouse Inn, there are numerous historic sites. These include:
Colony House (two blocks from the Jailhouse)
Built between 1736 and 1739, this handsome brick building with balcony and roof-top balustrades is the fourth oldest statehouse still standing in the United States. The Declaration of Independence was read aloud to citizens from the front steps in July 1776. That tradition is repeated each year during Newport’s Fourth of July celebrations, when a reading of the entire Declaration is enjoyed by locals and visitors from around the country and world. The Colony House served as the statehouse for Rhode Island and Providence Plantations until 1901, when the newer white-domed statehouse in Providence opened.
Newport Artillery Company (two blocks from the Jailhouse)
This handsome stone armory, built in 1838, contains a diverse collection of military uniforms and weapons including four bronze cannons cast by Paul Revere in the 1790s. The cannons are rolled out to perform salutes in nearby Washington Square on special occasions such as the Fourth of July.
Great Friends Meeting House (one block from the Jailhouse)
Originally built in 1699, this Quaker meeting house is the oldest surviving house of worship in Rhode Island. Newport is often remembered for things that came later, eg., the Gilded Age with its stunning mansions and yachts, but religious history and freedom played earlier and hugely significant roles in its history. People of diverse religions were welcome here after being turned away elsewhere (frequently by the Puritans in neighboring Massachusetts). Churches of diverse denominations can be seen throughout Newport. Several smaller churches are now private residences.
Jane Pickens Theater (one block from the Jailhouse)
This historic church-turned-cinema is the only movie house in downtown. In addition to presenting current and classic films, it is a Gatsby-esque venue for fundraisers, art exhibits, weddings, birthdays and business events. Built as Zion Episcopal Church in 1834, it was used as a theater by 1919. In 1974, the colorful Jane Pickens and her sister gave a concert in the renovated hall then named for her. Jane was a singer, a star of stage, radio and TV, and a philanthropist. Her third husband, Walter Hoving, headed Tiffany and Co. Jane ran unsuccessfully for Congress against Ed Koch.
Touro Synagogue (three blocks from the Jailhouse)
The oldest synagogue in America, located at the corner of Spring and Touro streets, was named for Isaac Touro of Amsterdam. The building was completed in 1762 with the support of Spanish and Portuguese Jews from Amsterdam and London who had migrated to the Caribbean then settled in Newport around1677. Designated a national historic site in 1946, the synagogue remains an active house of worship. Of note, a letter from George