It was designated a National Historic Landmark District on December 30, 1970.

[3] The area marks the original settlement of Roger Williams in 1636 on the banks of the Providence River after he was banished from Massachusetts.

[4] Thayer Street is a popular destination nearby with coffee shops, galleries, stores, and restaurants.

The Old State House and Providence Athenaeum, the fourth oldest library in America are located in the district.

The effort to establish the district were spearheaded by Antoinette Downing and John Nicholas Brown II.