During the 318 years since the town's founding, Bristol
has endured a number of severe natural disasters and other
devastating trials, only to triumph in the end. At first
bombed, raided, and burned by the British, in later years
Bristol saw the collapse of her banks and the painful demise
of local industry. In addition, disastrous storms have pounded
her shores, at one time destroying the town's commercial
fleet. Through all this, however, Bristol has endured, a
testament to the tenacity of the town's colorful citizens.
From adventurous privateers and wealthy industrialists to
hardy fisherman and skilled laborers, members of the Bristol
community have struggled and succeeded together.