Antique Schooner 'Providence' to Dock in 2019
The Tall Ship Providence, a 12-gun, 110-foot "Sloop of War" and a full-scale replica of the Continental Navy's first warship built in the 1700s, is set to make its new home port in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.
The Providence, acquired and reconstructed by the Providence Foundation, is not a contemporary naval vessel, but a historical replica that brings to life the maritime, naval, and American Revolutionary War history of the Chesapeake Bay region.
The original Providence was built by the Brown family in the late 1700s and became the U.S. Navy's first warship. Unfortunately, the original Providence was deliberately sunk in 1779 to prevent capture by the British.
A replica of the original Providence was commissioned by the Brown family in 1976 for the United States Bicentennial Celebration. The Providence, equipped with 12 guns, is a tall ship that will be located in Alexandria, Virginia, once it arrives in the early summer of 2019.
The Tall Ship Providence Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is focusing on fundraising for the restoration of the Providence in 2023. Once in Old Town Alexandria, the Foundation plans to host tours, chartered cruises, and historical education events to share the rich history of the Providence with the community.
The arrival of the Providence in Old Town Alexandria is an exciting development for the city and the region, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the Continental Navy and the American Revolutionary War. The Providence will be a valuable addition to the cultural and historical landscape of Old Town Alexandria.
