Governor William Sprague Mansion

Governor William Sprague Mansion is a historic house in Cranston built around 1790 in the style of its era, with rooms that reflect early American domestic life. The structure was significantly expanded in 1864, adding a grand hall and an elaborate winding staircase that became the home's most striking interior feature.

Built around 1790, the mansion served as the birthplace of Governor William Sprague III and his nephew, Governor William Sprague IV, both of whom became major figures in Rhode Island politics. The property became a symbol of the Sprague family's rise during the state's rapid industrialization in the 1800s.

The Sprague family shaped the region's economy through textile production, and their mansion reflects the wealth and influence this brought to Rhode Island. Inside, visitors can sense the connection between the household and the industrial growth that transformed the state.

The house is maintained by the Cranston Historical Society and visitors can explore the rooms on guided tours led by knowledgeable docents. Plan ahead, as visits are typically by appointment and group visits work best when arranged in advance.

Two Civil War cannons from the 1840s, linked to Governor William Sprague IV's military regiment, sit in the mansion's carriage house. These pieces offer a tangible connection to the family's involvement in the conflict and the broader history of Rhode Island during that era.