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Varnum Armory Museum

Rhode Island museum with collections dating back to the 16th century

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Rhode Island
6 Main Street East Greenwich, RI 02818
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East Greenwich, RI

The Varnum Armory Museum is a medieval‑style armory built in 1913–1914 to serve as the headquarters of the Varnum Continentals and houses one of Rhode Island's most significant military history collections. Its story intertwines local militia tradition, National Guard service, and a remarkable museum collection spanning the 17th century through modern conflicts. During World War II, an aircraft spotting tower operated from the armory’s north tower as part of a coastal early‑warning network staffed by civilian volunteers.

What's Nearby

Explore more of The Liberty Trail by visiting these nearby attractions.

Historic Site
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Museum
A small fortress like brick building sits on a street corner, with arched wooden doors, battlements, and a nearby cannon.
Varnum Armory Museum

East Greenwich, RI 02818

Museum with artifacts dating to the 16th century

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Varnum Armory Museum
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Site of the First Colonial Navy
Historic Site
Colonial Home of General James Mitchell Varnum
Varnum House

East Greenwich, RI 02818

Former home of General James Mitchell Varnum

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James Mitchell Varnum House, East Greenwich, RI
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Kentish Guards Armory

East Greenwich, RI 02818

Former armory and drill field of the Kentish Guard

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Kentish Guards Armory and Drill Field
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Bronze marker on boulder to commemorate spot of the burning of the Gaspee
Gaspee Monument

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Gaspee Monument
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State/County Park
Print of the Battle of Rhode Island.
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Portsmouth, RI 02871

First Franco-American operation of the Revolution

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Rhode Island
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Marker
Granite monument/structure in remembrance of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment
1st Rhode Island Monument

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Monument dedicated to the men of the 1st Rhode Island

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1st Rhode Island Regiment Monument
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Fort/Outpost
Early 20th century postcard depicting Butts Hill Fort in Rhode Island
Butts Hill Fort

Portsmouth, RI 02871

Franco-American defensive position in Rhode Island

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Butts Hill Fort
Historic Site
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Museum
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Providence, RI 02906

Former home of the founder of Brown University

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John Brown House
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Portsmouth Friends Meeting House
Historic Site
Red facade of the Stephen Hopkins House in Rhode Island
Hopkins House

Providence, RI 02903

Former home of Stephen Hopkins

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Governor Stephen Hopkins House
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Old State House

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Colonial-Era state house of Rhode Island

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Old State House
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General Lafayette Marker, Tiverton, Rhode Island (RI-8)
Historic Site
World War 1 Memorial Tower at Motonomi Memorial Park
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Tactical position during the Battle of Rhode Island

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Miantonomi Hill
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Fort/Outpost
Fort Barton in Tiverton, Rhode Island
Fort Barton

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Fort named for Lt. Col. William Barton

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Fort Barton
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Historic Site
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Historic House
Front of the Hunter House in Rhode Island
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Former HQ of the French fleet in North America

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Hunter House
Historic Site
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Fort/Outpost
Stone marker denoting the location of Green End Fort
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French defensive position in Rhode Island

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Green End Fort
Historic Site
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Marker
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Marker describing the destruction of the HMS Liberty

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Equality Park
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Historic House
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Tavern that hosted British and Loyalist troops

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White Horse Tavern
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Only purpose-built synagogue to survive the Rev War

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Touro Synagogue
Historic Site
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Historic House
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1780 headquarters of the Comte de Rochambeau

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Vernon House
Historic Site
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Redwood Library