John Brown House Museum

The John Brown House was built in 1788 by merchant, patriot, politician, and slave trader John Brown, an instigator and participant in the Gaspee Affair. He and his family were some of the wealthiest and most influential people in the colonies and, then, the United States. The Browns are the namesake of Brown University. Walk through John Brown’s mansion (in the footsteps of George Washington, Abigail Adams, and other historical figures who once visited) and experience for yourself what it was like to live in the brand new United States at the end of the 18th century. The tour will discuss some of the most pressing issues of the day: slavery, the American Revolution, the China trade, and the major role Rhode Island played in the history of our nation.