East Providence (48,688) is located directly east of the State capital of Providence and is the fifth-largest city in Rhode Island. While today it is largely suburban, East Providence was once a collection of farming and manufacturing villages, and still contains many historic properties.
Two historic districts, a number of historic homes and buildings, several historic cemeteries, a light station, and other properties are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The most well-known and popular of these properties is the Charles I.D. Looff Carousel (1895), a National Historic Landmark featuring 56 carved jewelled jumping horses and a Wurlitzer band organ. The property recently received a Save America's Treasures grant to assist in its continued preservation.
The city is also working to preserve the John Hunt House (1750). Last used as offices in the 1980s, the building has been leased by the city to the East Providence Historical Society, which is restoring the building and has opened it to the public as a heritage tourism destination.
Designated a Preserve America Community in June 2004.