The dominance of the New York Yacht Club, in possession of the America's Cup between 1851 and 1983, has given Newport, Rhode Island, the status of yachting capital of the world. Seven of the most respected America's Cup defenders were built in Bristol, Rhode Island. The state's contribution to racing yacht technology began in Bristol, when N.G. Herreshoff designed and built the Vigilant in 1893. The Goetz Custom Sailboat Company continues the Bristol tradition of building superior sailing vessels, many of which have been challengers for the coveted America's Cup, beginning with the America 3 in 1992. In his sixth volume for the Images of America series, author Richard V. Simpson explores the allure of the America's Cup yachts and racing through more than 200 images from his own diverse collection. The photographs focus on the beauty and dignity of the yachts, the genius of engineering minds, and the handiwork of skilled crafters. Within these pages, view a variety of rare images captured by turn-of-the-century biograph and stereoscopic cameras, and experience the majestic dance of the yachts as they jockey for position, from the starting gun to the crossing of the finish line.

America's Cup (Images of America: Rhode Island)

Arts & Photography

Simpson, Richard V.

Photography & Video

Arcadia Publishing

In 1877, the U.S. Navy purchased the fast steam yacht Stiletto from the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company of Bristol, Rhode Island, for "automobile" torpedo experiments in Narragansett Bay. The submarine service was in its infancy, and interest in the self-propelled torpedo as an undersea weapon flourished. Herreshoff's fast, steam-powered boats were the first of the delivery platforms accepted by the U.S. Navy Department for experiments at the Newport Naval Torpedo Station and service during the Spanish-American War. Dating from the Civil War, the torpedo station on Goat Island in Newport Harbor was the first torpedo armory in the United States, specializing in research, development, and manufacture.Building the Mosquito Fleet: The U.S. Navy's First Torpedo Boats traces the important and often dramatic history of the involvement between the U.S. Navy and the Herreshoff brothers' marine yards over a period of more than thirty years. It is a story of enterprise, naval development, and marine manufacturing during a time of experimentation and evolution. Included are dramatic stories of the men who built and tested these dangerous new vessels. This fascinating volume preserves under one cover a concise history of the torpedo boats built by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. It describes design and construction innovations introduced by the Herreshoffs and traces the events that led the major navies of the world to take notice of the Herreshoffs' work.

Building the Mosquito Fleet: The U.S. Navy's First Torpedo Boats (RI)

History

Americas

The picturesque images and steadfast spirit of small-town America thrive within Bristol. One need only to look along its tree-lined streets and centuries-old waterfront and into its historic homes and buildings to see the romance of Rhode Island's past mingling with its present. Heritage and tradition, especially its long-running celebrations of the Fourth of July, are essential in understanding the character and identity of this little town on the bay.
Bristol: Montaup to Poppasquash takes readers on a unique journey through the community's past, beginning with the voyages of early Norse explorers and detailing major events that shaped the town's history, including the King Philip's War, the Revolutionary War, and a variety of other military conflicts that took local men and women away from their homes. Not only evoking memories of yesteryear, this compelling illustrated history explores the evolving personality of Bristol over the passing decades, from its days as a small fishing village and a haven for privateers to its present status as a premier boat-building center.

Bristol: Montaup to Poppasuash (RI) (Making of America Series)

With Tiverton and Little Compton, authors Nancy Jensen Devin and Richard V. Simpson invite you to travel historic roads, to explore late-nineteenth-century life in town, on the farm, on the sea, and at leisure. The reader will delight in sweeping views of the Sakonnet River and the Portsmouth shore from Fort Barton, and ride in a one-horse carriage down Main Road to Little Compton and the industrious fishing village at Sakonnet Point. A series of views from the Portsmouth Hummock offers a spectacular perspective of the Tiverton shore, where breakers crash majestically along the rocky coast. This narrow strip on Rhode Island's eastern flank forms one of the most peaceful, beautiful, and remote corners of the state. Readers will also observe the legacy and traditions of the Wampanoag Indians who settled this land centuries before the Puritans from Plymouth Colony.

Tiverton and Little Compton (RI) (Images of America)

Devin, Nancy J.

Bristol, a shire town in the smallest county in the smallest state, is nestled between the Narragansett and Mount Hope Bays. Most of the town is surrounded by water, and its history lies therein. Bristol is ever changing, yet it manages to retain a small hometown character. This nostalgic postcard history of Bristol leads readers down dusty, mid-19th-century streets and into the bustling mid-1950s historic center. Today, people sail leisurely into Bristol's snug harbor, dock at the many public landings, and dine on the waterfront. Other visitors stroll down tree-lined streets, take in the many beautiful seascapes, or marvel at the aristocratic 18th-century homes built by wealthy merchants, slavers, and privateers.

Bristol (RI) (Postcard History Series)

Rhode Island, "the Ocean State," consists of only 1,200 square miles, and one-quarter of the state is tidewater. With over 350 miles of coastline, a third of the citizens live within a mile of the seashore. The Narragansett Bay, spanning 102 square miles, is the heart of the state. From the early 19th to the mid-20th century, the shell and finfish industries flourished within the bay. Amusement parks and seaside dining halls sprang up on both sides. Beaches catered to Victorian ladies and gentlemen who took in the air but never wet their feet. The nation's security has also played a major role in these waters. Through more than 200 stunning images, readers will see how Rhode Islanders found their fortune and character on the Narragansett Bay.

Narragansett Bay (RI) (Postcard History)

During the 318 years since the town’s founding, Bristolhas endured a number of severe natural disasters and otherdevastating trials, only to triumph in the end. At firstbombed, raided, and burned by the British, in later yearsBristol saw the collapse of her banks and the painful demiseof local industry. In addition, disastrous storms have poundedher shores, at one time destroying the town’s commercialfleet. Through all this, however, Bristol has endured, atestament to the tenacity of the town’s colorful citizens.From adventurous privateers and wealthy industrialists tohardy fisherman and skilled laborers, members of the Bristolcommunity have struggled and succeeded together.

Bristol, Rhode Island: Volume II (Images of America)

In this sequel volume, authors Nancy J. Devin and Richard V. Simpson continue to uncover the fascinating history of Tiverton and Little Compton, Rhode Island, in historic photographs. By viewing this impressive collection of carefully selected images, readers will learn more about the communities’ unique and engaging heritage. Tiverton and Little Compton Volume II includes images of the rugged Bridgeport area, General LaFayette’s quarters, and the United Congregational Church. Also featured is the village of Adamsville with its unique Spite Tower and country store. The tenacity of Little Compton’s early settlers and their relationship with their Native American neighbors is covered as well. All aspects of life are included in this volume, through scenes captured by the camera lens of celebrated 19th-century photographer O.E. Dubois.

Tiverton and Little Compton: Volume II (Images of America)

The town of Bristol, Rhode Island, has been celebrating Independence Day in grand fashion since 1785. Americans from near and far have long regarded the town as a center of patriotism and history. With this new pictorial history, Bristol resident and “Fourth of July Historian” Richard V. Simpson presents a lively tribute to his town’s heritage. Richard V. Simpson has combined carefully selected images―many rare and previously unpublished―with informative and compelling text to take his readers on a journey through the history of this dynamic and diverse community. Readers are taken inside Hope Street’s historic mansions and family-run shops, gaining valuable insight into the lifestyles of Bristolians in the early 1900s. By contrast, the growth and development of the town in the twentieth century is revealed in aerial views taken over a period of fifty years.

Bristol, Rhode Island (Images of America)

From pre-colonial times through World War II , the town of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, has served as a stage for the dramatic evolution of American history. Dispossessed citizens from the Massachusetts Bay Colony came to Portsmouth in the spirit of religious and political tolerance, paving the way for the establishment of a large Quaker settlement in town. Revolutionary leaders such as George Washington, Lafayette, and Rochambeau visited the summer residences of wealthy Newport merchants in Portsmouth, including the home of Tory, Metcalf Bowler. During the Civil War, the Melville area of Portsmouth was the site of a hospital for wounded Union soldiers and Confederate prisoners, and was an active stop on the Underground Railroad. Prior to World War II , John F. Kennedy received his PT boat training in Portsmouth, and Raytheon has kept many employed in the defense industry ever since.

Portsmouth, Rhode Island (Images of America)

Jensen Devin, Nancy

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