Travel Back in Time: Sprague Mansion

The Sprague Mansion on Cranston Street is the city's most notable historic structure. It's also home to the Cranston Historical Society, and, according to some, a few ghosts.

The Sprague Family were a Rhode Island powerhouse in the 18th and 19th centuries, earning a vast fortune in the textile businesses. 

The mansion was originally built in 1790 and the house was expanded several times in the early 1800s. In 1864, another addition was erected, adding a two-and-a-half story three-bay addition to the shouth. 

While many of the items inside the mansion today were not owned by the Sprague family, their presence offers a view of 19^th-century life that would be hard to find otherwise. Besides grand furnishings and art work, there are also a plethora of everyday items like toys, books, clothing, and gas lamps, which provide a glimpse of everyday life. 

The first farmhouse at the site was built in the 1790s. The Sprague Family owned the Sprague Print Works, now the Cranston Print Works. William Sprague, Governor from 1860-1863 and U.S. Senator from 1863-1875, was born at the mansion in 1830. The Sprague Company was one of the largest and richest textile companies in the Civil War era. Today, the Cranston Historical Society is continually restoring and caring for the structure, which is considered one of Cranston's most important historical artifacts. 

Although the mansion isn't open for walk-in visits, there's a constant flow of activity at the site. On Sept. 3 and 4, the mansion is hosting a Civil War living history weekend featuring the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. There was a car show earlier in the summer and ghost tours on a regular basis. Private tours are also available. 

For more information, call 401-944-9226 or visit www.cranstonhistoricalsociety.org