As you all may recall from history class, in 1773 a group of Boston residence that were upset by the high taxes from the British, tossed the bales of tea into the bay. This  would come to be known as 'The Boston Tea Party'.  If you were fortunate enough, you may have even visited the museum that celebrates this historic event during a school field trip. 

     What you might not be familiar with is that the streets of Providence Rhode Island had the  British Government. Having also been particularly upset by the high taxes they took to the streets and burned bales of tea at the Market House along the Providence river. Though their message was loud and clear, it seems to not have the same impact to earn it place in the history book. I could be due to the fact that Boston had been the first to step forward or maybe because the Rhode Islander chose a more aggressive and direct method rather than the more colorful Indian costumes in the cloak of night the Bostonians used to accomplish their deeds. What ever the reason maybe, you won't find a museum, reenactments, or even a souvenir shop dedicate to this event in Providence. The most you'll find is a plaque commemorating this occasion outside the Market House in downtown Providence.  Personally I like to think of the Providence Water Fires as a tribute to these brave Rhode Islanders and those who burned the Gaspee. Or maybe the Water fire just further demonstrate the proclivity for fire Rhode Islander seem to have.

TRex