Social Life of Newport

Oscar Wilde invitation, 1882 July 15

Re-inventing itself as a summer resort in the 19th century, Newport has long been a warm weather retreat for many individuals. From the Antebellum Period of the 1860's to the present day, tourists, servicemen and summer residents have flocked to the city for its cool ocean breezes, miles of shoreline, and active social scene.

Historically being home to famous and elite families, from South Carolina, the King and Griswold families of New York, and later the Vanderbilts, these people and others helped transform Newport into the Queen of the Resorts. The city's social occasions were diverse and a common past time for many with festivities such as yachting, picnics and group portraitures to display or mail. The city has celebrated events from notable tennis matches and legendary music festivals to ship races and affluent parties and continues to do so, along with promoting heritage tourism to preserve these past-times.

Social Life of Newport