[3][2] In 1760 The General Assembly constructed the current building as the new Providence Colony House, on a site which overlooked The Parade, the location of ceremonial processions.

[3] Prior to 19th century alterations to the Providence State House, the two buildings greatly resembled one another After 1853 the state legislature ceased meeting at Kent, Washington and Bristol county courthouses, but continued to alternate its sessions between the Colony Houses in Providence and Newport into the early 20th century.

[4][3] It was again altered in 1850, when Thomas A. Tefft of Tallman & Bucklin added the large tower facing Main Street, and a reorganization of nearly the entire interior.

[4] The building served as the legislature's meeting place until 1901, when the new Rhode Island State House began being occupied.

Major internal alterations by Banning & Thornton were completed in 1906, and the building re-opened as the Sixth District Courthouse.

Since 1975, the building has been home to the Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, which oversees it maintenance and renovation.

[3] As a result of the various expansions and renovations, the only room in the building which is largely original is the office of the secretary of state on the second floor.