Known as the most patriotic town in America Bristol, Rhode Island is steeped in a rich history that spans three centuries. Bristol is the quintessential New England waterfront town and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With its unwavering commitment to preservation, Bristol continues to maintain the picture-perfect charm of a historic port town. The well-preserved waterfront district contains commercial enterprises, civic buildings, churches, mills, sailors’ shacks, and historic mansions plus many other buildings that tell the history of Bristol’s development since its founding in 1680.