Due to its closeness to the city center and the existence of a number of thoroughfares, this area was developed for settlement relatively early, from 1788 onwards, only shortly after Benefit Street had been established on the city's eastern side. Today's Atwells Avenue was laid out in 1809 and the area's street grid was established by the mid 1800s. While mostly a working class area, Broadway attracted a number of large size residences, and is now one the historic districts of the city. A second great wave of immigrants (after many Irish had settled there in the 1850s) at the turn from the 19 th to the 20 th Century, brought many Italians to the neighborhood.

Use the map on the left to select a location, or click here for a list.

For further information on Federal Hill, consult the Providence Plan website.