Did you know Bristol, Rhode Island, is known as America’s Most Patriotic City? This summer, the city prepares to continue the country’s oldest Independence Day parade as well as begin festivities for America’s 250th birthday.
© Nat Squatrito
The unofficial Fourth of July capital of the United States has been staging its civil, military and firemen’s parade since 1785, before the Constitution was even written. And this year, Bristol has an exciting calendar of events for America’s semiquincentennial to honor America’s founding. From living history days on the Town Common to an open house viewing of Rhode Island’s own copy of the Declaration of Independence, there’s much in store for family travelers to experience.
The parade draws tens of thousands of spectators as the procession goes past authentic, colonial-era homes. Expect marching bands, civic groups, military divisions and multigen pageant winners.
© Nat Squatrito
In addition to the July 4 parade and open house, visitors can expect a walking tour July 11 from Blithewold Manor and presentation on textile colors of the American Revolution at Coggeshall Farm Museum on July 18.
Later this year, Bristol hosts a walking tour, Revolutionary Mayhem: The Bombardment of Bristol, on Oct. 3. The weekend of Oct. 3–4, there’s a reenactment of the American Revolution.
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