CHAPTER 37 – The Newport of the Past

Amidst the summer allure of Newport, with its vibrant yachting and festive dancing, few of its visitors ponder over the historical depth beneath their feet, largely overlooking the tales that predate even the most famed explorers of the Atlantic. This chapter delves into the rich tapestry of Newport’s past, invoking the spirit of adventurous Norsemen speculated to have landed on these rocky shores well before Columbus’s voyages. This notion, romanticized by Longfellow’s poetic narratives, sets the stage for a journey through time, exploring the remnants of their possible presence and the evocative “Old Mill” that feeds the imagination with stories of a bygone era.

The narrative transitions from the speculative pre-Columbian explorations to the tangible evolution of Newport into a bustling city under the shadow of the English crown, capturing the essence of its quaint streets that whisper tales of revolutionary fervor. Notably, it mentions General Prescott’s residence and the strategic role Newport played, highlighted by anecdotes of personalities like Rochambeau and the Chevalier de Ternay, anchoring the city’s historical significance through personal stories and monumental graves.

Moving through the centuries, the chapter recounts the city’s transition from the booming trade of rum and slaves to a period of oblivion, only to be rejuvenated as a seaside resort by wealthy Southern families, paving the way for Newport’s transformation. The establishment of prestigious hotels, the social fabric of early matinees dansantes, and the evolution of dining and dressing norms sketch a vivid picture of Newport’s societal metamorphosis.

The later developments, marked by the construction of Bellevue Avenue, the advent of the first “cottages,” and the landscaping endeavors that radically altered Newport’s profile, underscore the city’s architectural and environmental strides. The anecdote of the cliff walk, entangled with rights of way disputes between property owners and the public, illustrates the ongoing tension between private interests and community access, a theme resonant with the broader history of land and rights in America.

Through these layers of history, the chapter not merely recounts the physical transformations of Newport but also reflects on the changing social ethos, capturing the essence of a city that evolved from a strategic military post to a bustling trade hub, and eventually to a coveted resort destination. This journey through Newport’s past serves not only as a historical account but also as a reminder of the complex interactions between people, land, and the relentless march of time, inviting readers to appreciate the depth beneath the present’s surface.