Knowledge Tree
Newport
Facts (7)
Sources
Slavery, the Slave Trade, and Brown University slaveryandjusticereport.brown.edu 4 facts
quoteAn anonymous critic warned Moses Brown that a Newport merchant would not easily abandon the lucrative slave trade for the slow profits of a manufactory, stating: “An Ethiopian could as soon change his skin as a Newport merchant could be induced to change so lucrative a trade … for the slow profits of any manufactory.”
claimThe inhabitants of Newport, Rhode Island, held the largest share of the slave trade among all the United States, with the trade serving as the primary driver of the town's commerce and wealth.
accountJohn Brown successfully steered a bill through the U.S. Congress declaring Bristol a separate customs district to prevent the U.S. customs inspector in Newport from enforcing federal anti-slave trade laws.
claimMoses Brown attributed the acquittal of his brother, John Brown, to the 'Peculiar Turn' of the Newport jury and favoritism from the presiding judge, Benjamin Bourn, and federal prosecutor, Ray Greene.
The Real-Life Socialites and Historical Figures Who Inspired the ... vogue.com Jul 24, 2025 3 facts
accountMamie Fish was a real-life socialite known for her wit and parties in New York and Newport, and she was a founding member of Vogue and a patron of New York's annual doll show.
claimStanford White designed the Rosecliff mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, modeling it after the Grand Trianon.
claimWard McAllister is credited with transforming Newport, Rhode Island, into a summer social destination for wealthy American families.