Bristol

Bristol is known as the most patriotic town in America and with good reason. Host to the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the nation, Bristol has celebrated its independence since 1785 with a parade that rivals any other. Our parade route is lined with historic homes that are meticulously kept and our flag waves proudly everywhere one looks. Our main street is adorned year round with a red, white and blue center stripe, a testament to the place that patriotism holds in our hearts.
Bristol merchants ventured to extend trade to the Caribbean and Africa, thus fostering a boom in the shipping industry. When shipping declined, Bristol grasped hold of the industrial revolution and the invention of the steam engine turbine. Bristol once again moved within the circles of prosperity. Textiles and sugar refineries sprung up. The largest employer became the National Rubber Company, producers of rubberized clothing, boots, and shoes. The second largest industry became boat building. Steamships were being built on the wharf and the Herreshoff brothers began to design and build their famous America's Cup winning boats.

Herreshoff Marine Museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame
1 Burnside Street, 401-253-5000. Bristol's reign as the yacht-building capital of the world is recalled with displays of 60 historic yachts, steam engines, fittings, photographs and memorabilia of the unique accomplishments of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. The Herreshoffs were designers and builders of seven successful America's Cup defenders between 1893 and 1934, as well as the first torpedo boats for the U.S. Navy. The Nathanael G. Herreshoff Model Room contains three generations of Herreshoff design half-models. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 31 to October 31. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $2 for students; children under 12 and members are free. Call for group reservations. www.herreshoff.org