The Agenda

The Revolutionary Importance of the Tavern

Contrary to popular history, the first major act of the Revolutionary War was not a Tea Party in Boston. On June 9, 1772, shattering voices and the burning of a British ship hailed the first overt act of the American Revolutionary War — right here in Rhode Island.

H.R.M. Gaspee tattoo on the arm of Bob Goudie, by Federal Hill Tattoo.

As any other bar in Providence today might be crowded on a week-night, in June of 1772 Sabin's tavern at Fenner's Wharf, near what is now South Main and Planet Streets, was packed. But two hundred thirty years ago, talk and gossip included revolution and world-change.

How To Have A Riot: A True Tale of RISD and Brown Students Gone Wild!

by Alex Lukas

“Who expected Rhode Island School of Design and Brown University students, my god, you think they’d teach them a little more than that for the $25,000 in tuition they pay. You think they’d teach them a little more than to go to a pagan ritual and light a fire in a tunnel.”

Buddy Cianci, Mayor of Providence, May 2nd, 1993.

The RISD Tunnel is a setting for innumerable stories, a lot of rumors, and a few legends; any number of which, in all three categories, are pure bullshit. Rumors fly anytime there are shadows, and if there is one thing the Tunnel has a lot of, it’s pitch-black darkness. Talk of vampires, secret passages, giant rats, hidden entrances in East Side backyards and compromises to the structural city above are commonplace amongst those who talk of “the hole under Providence.” Both ends of the tunnel are sealed tight today (if anyone feels qualified to write a “How to Open a Door That’s Been Welded Shut” article, holla), trapping inside what was left of countless adventures, leaving us with only our memories. Everyone who has ever been there has their own, and for a certain generation, the very mention of the tunnel brings up one legendary story: the Riot.