Market Square

Market Square sits at the intersection of North Main Street and College Street, forming a central meeting point at the base of College Hill. The space is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and entertainment options within easy walking distance.

The site was established in 1738 when Providence Town Council ordered construction of a street from Towne Street to the Great Bridge. The Market House itself was built between 1773 and 1775, becoming the physical center of public life.

The square features a bronze sculpture of Edward Mitchell Bannister, installed in 2023 to recognize this artist's role in Rhode Island's artistic development. The statue brings the region's creative heritage into focus for those passing through.

The square connects well to various transportation options and sits near downtown Providence's main areas. Visitors should expect multiple pathways and entrances, as the space is organized around several intersecting streets.

The square was home to Providence's first electric arc lights, installed in 1882, which marked the city as an early adopter of this modern technology. This advancement helped establish the city's reputation for embracing new infrastructure developments.