Linden Place Mansion | Bristol RI

Information

Landmark: Linden Place Mansion
City: Bristol RI
Country: USA Rhode Island
Continent: North America

Linden Place Mansion, Bristol RI, USA Rhode Island, North America

Linden Place Mansion is a historic house museum located in Bristol, Rhode Island. It was the ancestral home of the prominent Colt family.

Visual Characteristics

The mansion is a Federal-style brick structure, measuring approximately 10,000 square feet. It features a prominent central portico with four Doric columns supporting a pediment. The exterior brickwork is a deep red, contrasted by white trim around the windows and cornices. The roof is a low-pitched hip roof, and the building stands three stories tall.

Location & Access Logistics

Linden Place Mansion is situated at 500 Hope Street in Bristol, RI. It is approximately 20 miles southeast of Providence, accessible via RI-114 South. Parking is available on-site in a dedicated lot. The nearest public transport is the RIPTA bus route 60, which stops within a 0.2km walk of the mansion.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of Linden Place Mansion began in 1803 and was completed in 1810. It was designed by architect Russell Warren for General Henry Harrison. The mansion was built as a private residence and served as a center for social and political life in Bristol.

Key Highlights & Activities

Guided tours of the mansion's interior are offered, detailing its architectural features and the history of the Colt family. The grounds include formal gardens that can be explored independently. Special events, such as concerts and historical reenactments, are held seasonally.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the mansion. Limited shade is provided by mature trees on the grounds. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally good in the area. No on-site food vendors are present, but dining options are available within a 0.5km radius on Hope Street.

Best Time to Visit

For interior tours, operating hours are typically Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sunday, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The best months for visiting are May through October, when the gardens are in bloom and outdoor events are more frequent. Mid-morning offers optimal natural light for interior photography.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical fact is that the mansion was once owned by Samuel Pomeroy Colt, a prominent industrialist and politician, and later by his daughter, Edith Colt. A local legend suggests that the ghost of a former resident can sometimes be seen in the upstairs hallways.