Money from the wealthy families of New York and Boston flowed into Rhode Island during the 19th century. The state quickly became a retreat where families could take their holidays away from the bustle of the city and relax in a more civilized setting. The Elms is one of the mansions build in pursuit of this level of leisure. Constructed for the Berwind family of New York, the building was modeled after the Chateau d’Asnieres in France. Today, this is one of a collection of Rhode Island mansions maintained by local preservation groups and open to the public for tours.

• 1996 - The Elms is named a National Historic Landmark.