Rhode Island photograph collection

The Rhode Island Photograph Collection is a collection of photographs that document the landscape and life of Rhode Islanders across the state from the mid 19th century through the 20th century. The collection grew over time as the Providence Public Library had photographs donated to them from a variety of donors. There are an estimated 6,000 plus images in this collection.
This collection is part of Providence Public Library Digital Collections, hosted by Providence Public Library.

Items in this collection

Commodore Perry statue

Commodore Perry statue

Providence Public Library

A statue of Commodore Matthew C. Perry in Tuoro Park. Commodore Perry is depicted with a sword and cape, and the base of the statue depicts military scenes.

Commodore Perry statue

Commodore Perry statue

Providence Public Library

A statue of Commodore Matthew C. Perry outside of the Rhode Island State House. Commodore Perry is depicted with a sword.

Commercial Wharf, Newport

Commercial Wharf, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Eolus, a Wickford Line ferry docked at Commercial Wharf. Government Landing and the steeple of Trinity Church are visible in background.

Comet, Colonial Line

Comet, Colonial Line

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Colonial Line, the SS Comet docked at a wharf in Newport Harbor. The large steamship has two central steam stacks.

Combination Ladder Co.

Combination Ladder Co.

Providence Public Library

A group of workers for the Combination Ladder Co. preparing a wagon for a parade. Several are seen lifting something onto the cart, and two people are standing on top of the wagon. The Cranston Street Armory is seen in the background.

Columbia

Columbia

Providence Public Library

Closeup side view of the sailboat Columbia heeling in open water. Members of the crew are in the cockpit and around the mast.

Colony House, Newport

Colony House, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows tourists crowded on the steps of the side entrance to the Colony House in Newport.

Colony House

Colony House

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Colony House facing Washington Square. The building is three stories, with a balcony on the second floor above the front entrance. A large clock flanked by two round windows is in the center of the third floor. A cupola sits in center of roof.

Colony House

Colony House

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Colony House facing Washington Square. The building is three stories, with a balcony on the second floor above the front entrance. A large clock flanked by two round windows is in the center of the third floor. A cupola sits in center of roof. The Isaac Lawton House and the United Baptist Church are visible in photograph.

Colonial Line Steamer in New York Harbor

Image shows a Colonial Line steamship passing under a bridge in New York Harbor. Passengers stand on all three decks. Buildings along the harbor are in background.

College Street

College Street

Providence Public Library

Street view up College Street from South Main Street of pedestrians, a streetcar, and buildings with signs for businesses including Angell & Co. Will Papers, Wm. L. Hodgman Attorney at Law, Franklin Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and Leonard's Market.

College Street

College Street

Providence Public Library

Street view up College Street from South Main Street of pedestrians, a streetcar, and buildings with signs for businesses including Angell & Co. Will Papers, Wm. L. Hodgman Attorney at Law, Franklin Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and Leonard's Market.

College Street

College Street

Providence Public Library

View looking west down College Street from Benefit Street, with the Hospital Trust Building visible downtown.

College Street

College Street

Providence Public Library

View looking west down College Street from Benefit Street, with the Hospital Trust Building visible downtown.

College Street

College Street

Providence Public Library

View from the lawn in front of Brown University's University Hall, looking across Prospect Street and down the length of tree-lined College Street. The small gates at center is where the Van Wickle gates were installed in 1901.

College Street

College Street

Providence Public Library

View from Benefit Street looking east up College Street, lined with buildings and trees. The Providence Athenaeum is seen at the right foreground.

College Hill

College Hill

Providence Public Library

View looking west down College Street from Benefit Street, with the Hospital Trust Building visible downtown.

College Hill

College Hill

Providence Public Library

Street view up College Street from South Main Street of pedestrians, a streetcar, and buildings with signs for businesses including Angell & Co. Will Papers, Wm. L. Hodgman Attorney at Law, Franklin Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and Leonard's Market.

Coggeshall Ledge, Ocean Drive; Newport

Image shows a boathouse with multiple rowboats in yard at Boat House Gully near Coggeshall Ledge. The Ocean Drive mansion "Land's End" is in the background.

Coggeshall Ledge, Ocean Drive; Newport

Image shows two rowboats on the rocky shore of Boat House Gully. Waves are breaking on large rocks in center of photograph. Coggeshall Ledge is in the background.

Coggeshall Ledge, Ocean Drive; Newport

Image shows fishermen with rowboats at the shore of Boat House Gully near Coggeshall Ledge. Three men stand on rocks behind the fishermen. A horse and cart are next to a small house in background.

Coggeshall Ledge, Ocean Drive; Newport

Image shows rowboats, lobster traps and fishing equipment lying on rocky shore of Boat House Gully. Mist is visible over the water near the shore and Coggeshall Ledge in background.

Coasters Harbor Island

Coasters Harbor Island

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of Naval Station Newport on Coasters Harbor Island. Newport is in the foreground, and the island of Jamestown is visible in background.

Coal wagon

Coal wagon

Providence Public Library

A person sitting on a large wagon drawn by three horses. Signs for businesses are seen on the buildings in the background, including Providence Coal Co.

Coach Venture with Wm. H. Vanderbilt

Coach Venture with Wm. H. Vanderbilt

Providence Public Library

The coach Venture being driven on a country road. Four horses are hitched to the coach, a man rides on the back, and William H. Vanderbilt holds the reins.