The History of Monmouth Street
Monmouth Street is the heart of Newport’s story. Spanning nearly two centuries of growth, change, and community, this historic corridor reflects the city's evolution—from its earliest days in the 1830s to its role as a bustling commercial hub in the 20th century. Lined with buildings that echo Newport’s past, Monmouth Street offers more than architecture—it offers a living timeline of the people, businesses, and moments that shaped the city we know today.
Click & Scroll through the Eras of Newport's History below!
Early History: The Original Plan
The northernmost two blocks of Monmouth Street were included in the town’s original plat of 130 lots, called the Original Plan.
Early development in Newport was primarily east-west oriented, with Monmouth Street at the center. York Street’s proximity to the Courthouse and Front Street’s proximity to the riverbank originally made them the primary commercial hubs — but after the Civil War, Monmouth became the true commercial center of town.
By the 1880s, Monmouth Street was bustling with shoppers, business people, and city leaders. A walk down Monmouth might have revealed:
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M.T. White & Co.’s Livery Stables (Corner of Fourth Street)
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Fred Duerr’s Saloon (621 Monmouth)
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Milliner Kate Hollman (623 Monmouth)
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Dressmaker Mary Trappe (701 Monmouth)
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William Eshan’s Meat Market (721 Monmouth)
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H.B. Fuchs’ Saddles and Harnesses (723 Monmouth)
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Grocers Horner and Monell (735 Monmouth)
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John Sohnlein’s Cigar & Tobacco Shop (821 Monmouth)
Research from Margo Warminski’s nomination of Monmouth Street to the National Register of Historic Places, with additional research from Jennifer Willimas, Historic Preservation Officer.
