Bristol, Rhode Island

During the 318 years since the town’s founding, Bristol

has endured a number of severe natural disasters and other

devastating trials, only to triumph in the end. At first

bombed, raided, and burned by the British, in later years

Bristol saw the collapse of her banks and the painful demise

of local industry. In addition, disastrous storms have pounded

her shores, at one time destroying the town’s commercial

fleet. Through all this, however, Bristol has endured, a

testament to the tenacity of the town’s colorful citizens.

From adventurous privateers and wealthy industrialists to

hardy fisherman and skilled laborers, members of the Bristol

community have struggled and succeeded together.