Did you know…
Newport was the first city to pass a traffic ordinance (1687).
Newport has the oldest synagogue in the US (Touro built in 1759).
Newport operated the first ferry service (1657).
Newport has the oldest tavern building in continuous use in the US (White Horse Tavern built in 1673).
Newport has the first gas illuminated streetlights (1803).
Newport has the oldest newspaper in continuous operation in the US (the Newport Mercury started in 1758).
Newport is the home to the oldest US Naval War College.
Newport hosted the first Open Golf Tournament (1895).
Newport was home to the first International Polo Match (1886).
Newport was home to the first National Lawn Tennis Championships (1899).
Newport was home of the first woman telephone operator.
Newport was the site of the first land grant for schools.
Newport has the oldest circulating library in continuous use in the US (Redwood Library-established 1745).
Newport was home of the first woman newspaper editor.
Newport was the site of the first public roller skating rink in the US.
Newport hosted the first systematic advertised public lectures on anatomy and surgery given in America (1752).
Newport was the site of the first automobile arrest in the country (1904 when the offender was charged with driving 15 miles per hour).
Newport was home to the first educated dental surgeon.
Newport (colonial capital of RI) was the first of the thirteen colonies to declare its independence from England (May 4, 1776).
Newport has the oldest military unit in continuous service under its original charter in 1741.
Newport was the site of the first airplane passenger line in the US (between Newport and New York).
Newport was home to the first admiral of the American navy.
Newport held the first notable celebration of George Washington’s birthday (1781 hosted by Count De Rochambeau).
Newport had the first photograph taken by electric light (1866).
Newport was home to the first auto race (1895).
Newport was home to the first duplex house (located on 57 Farewell Street).
Newport is home to the oldest typewriter in America (held by the Newport Historical Society).
Newport was home to the first female lighthouse keeper.
Newport was the site of the first church steeple in the US.
