If Ken Burns’s recent documentary series about the American Revolution proved one thing about our understanding of the birth of our nation, it’s that there are numerous stories to be told. Every colony had their own unique experiences which ended up comprising our national story.
As we celebrate the semi-quincentennial creation of the United States this year, there are several noteworthy events to highlight along the way. Earlier this month, the tenth of January marked the anniversary of the initial publication of the pamphlet “Common Sense” composed by a recently transplanted Englishman, Thomas Paine, in Philadelphia.
Paine’s pamphlet was a bombshell that burst the widely accepted concept of reconciliation with the mother country as “…a fallacious dream.” Instead, he made a case for independence and self-governing. Rather than utilizing the accepted style of previous tracts by proving his points with Latin grammar and literary references, he adopted a straightforward approach so that the proverbial everyman would understand and grasp his meaning. “It is my design to make those who can scarcely read understand … and put it in language as plain as the alphabet,” he explained.
His success was instantaneous. Copies were sold out within weeks. The pamphlet was read in private and discussed publicly at shops, taverns and even churches. Members of the Second Continental Congress forwarded copies home, and soon the pamphlet was being reprinted up and down the eastern seaboard.
By year’s end, there would be over twenty-five editions printed and over 150,000 copies sold. The first few editions were published anonymously. When his name was affixed to the succeeding publications, he graciously offered his earnings to provide warm mittens for American troops.
Here in Providence, the printer and publisher of the newspaper Providence Journal and Country Gazette, advertised that he had re-printed the tract and that it was “…sold by John Carter at Shakespeare’s Head…near the Court House.” Both sites are in the historic College Hill area: Shakespeare’s Head, now called Primus House, is located at 21 Meeting Street; the Old State House is at 150 Benefit Street.
Providence was already known to be a patriotic town, and the persuasive rhetoric presented in the pamphlet was a turning point that would change the hearts and minds of many as they headed towards the Declaration of Independence.
The Rhode Island Historical Society has been providing walking tours concerning the role of Providence during the Revolution that discuss several topics at existing historical buildings. Shakespeare’s Head and The Old State House are part of this tour.
I began the tour in 2019 and have been editing it over the years. Last year, we decided to divide it into two segments. Part one, “Roots of Revolution,” relates the economic issues that eventually leads from verbal disagreements, physical violence, outbreak of hostilities to the severing of ties. Part two, “Revolutionary Providence,” describes the struggles of Providence as the trials of a long war take their tolls upon the city’s ability to provide services for the common good.
The tour is offered to both members and the general public and each tour should be offered at least once a month beginning in either April or May. Readers can check the RIHS website’s events calendar for updates.
Scott Alexander lives in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He has a masters degree in history. Since 2016 he has been a volunteer guide of both house tours and walking tours for the Rhode Island Historical Society.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly referred to Shakespeare’s Head as John Carter House. It is now called Primus House. [Updated February 6, 2026]
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