Providence is one of the oldest cities in the U.S., so it’s safe to say it has a very rich history. Founded by religious exile Roger Williams, Providence was one of the first cities in the country to industrialize, among other things. But what many may not be aware of is that, at one time, it was the home base of a prominent crime family known as the New England Mafia.

Providence is a thriving city known for its seven institutions of higher learning, textile manufacturing, and vibrant food scene.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
As the third most populated city in New England, it's both bustling and diverse.
But back before Prohibition began, Providence had a very different vibe.
FileTime / Wikipedia
Two separate Mafia families emerged in New England around that time. One was based in Boston, the other was based in Providence.
Frank Morelli formed the Providence crime family in 1917, eventually controlling the bootlegging and gambling operations in Providence, Connecticut, and Maine.
Kevin Johnson / Wikipedia
In 1924, Gaspare Messina, who was the head of the crime family in Boston, left his boss role and instead assumed a businessman's role. This led to quite a Mafia power struggle in Boston. Then, in 1932, Frank Morelli merged his Providence family with Buccola's Boston family, forming the New England crime family.

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In 1956, mob boss Raymond Patriarca made a drastic change, moving the family to Providence.
The West End / Flickr
The business was known to family members as "The Office." Patriarca ran the crime family for decades, making it quite clear that no other crime family was welcome in Providence.
Eventually, Patriarca was convicted of murder. Even after his release, he was plagued by law enforcement for the rest of his life.
Rhode Island State Police / Wikipedia
After Patriarca's conviction, the New England Mafia began a long period of decline.
You won't hear much about Providence's Mafia past these days.
Kenneth C. Zirkel / Wikipedia
But even so, these stories play an important role in our local history.

Did you know about this part of Providence’s past?

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