The Colony House served as the primary state house of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations from its completion in 1739 until 1901, when the new state house in Providence opened. From 1901 to 1926 it was the Newport County Courthouse. The Colony House contains a portrait of George Washington, painted by Gilbert Stuart. In 1962, the building was designated a National Historic Landmark. The Newport Colony House is owned by the State of Rhode Island and managed by the Newport Historical Society.
Plans are underway to make the building handicapped accessible.