USA > Connecticut > A gazetteer of the states of Connecticut and Rhode-Island : written with care and impartiality, from original and authentic materials : consisting of two parts : with an accurate and improved map of each state > Part 36
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The continental part of the State possesses considerable uniformi- ty, as it respects surface, soil and geological structure. There are no ranges of mountains in this section, or in any other part of the
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GENERAL VIEW
State, nor any mountainous tracts ; yet, with the exception of the im- mediate borders of Narragansett bay, and the Atlantic ocean, and some intervales upon the streams, it is somewhat of a rough country, being considerably hilly and rocky. This part of the State, exhibiting great uniformity, possesses a similar geological character ; the rocks con- sisting of granite and other original formations. There are some level tracts upon the borders of Narragansett river, and some flats upon the shores of the Atlantic, in the southwest section of the State.
The most considerable eminences are Mount Hope, in Bristol, Hop- kins' Hill, in West-Greenwich, and Woonsoket Hill, in Smithfield. There are also some hills of considerable elevation in Exeter. Rhode- Island, and most of the other islands in the Narragansett bay, disclose a geological structure, of the transition character, and present a sur- face generally undulating, and often highly picturesque and beautiful.
The mineral treasures of the State have not been explored by the lights of science, or the unerring hand of practical knowledge ; but so far as they are known, they are not extensive or valuable. Iron ore is the most important mineral. It is found in Cranston, of an ex- cellent quality, and in some other places in the county of Providence. Mineral coal is found at Portsmouth, upon Rhode-Island. Limestone abounds in the northeastern section of the State ; and in these calca- reous strata there are some excellent quarries of marble. Serpen- tine marble is also found at Newport ; and there are in various places extensive quarries of freestone, valuable for building and other uses. Those in Johnston are the most important.
This State, considering the smallness of its dimensions,possesses am- ple resources for agricultural opulence. The soil, according to the operation of the established laws of nature, corresponding with the geological structure, exhibits considerable uniformity ; being, in the continental section, generally, a primitive gravelly loam, which is deep, strong and fertile, but does not afford very great facilities of cul- tivation. It requires industry, and seems to bear the impress, illus- trative of the justness of the declaration, that by the " sweat of the brow" man shall earn his bread. Upon Rhode-Island, the soil is of a shistic or slaty character, generally very fertile. In the county of Bristol, it is a rich garden mould ; and in the northwestern section of the State there are some tracts possessing a soil which is hard, dry and sterile. There are some small tracts of sandy loam interspersed in various parts of the State, and some few pine plains. The pro- portion of alluvial is very inconsiderable; and there are no calcare- ous districts of any extent, and few argillaceous ; although there are some small sections of the latter upon the borders of the rivers.
Natural and Agricultural Productions .- There are no extensive fo- rests in the State ; but what there are, are almost exclusively of the deciduous species of trees, of which, oak of the various kinds, ches- nut and walnut are the most prevalent and important. There are, however, some small tracts of pine, and some of cedar. A great pro-
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portion of the forests are in the northwest section of the State, which affords a great supply of timber for ship building and other purposes. With the exception of some parts of the county of Newport, the fo- rests are sufficient to supply the local demand both for timber and fuel. The islands in the Narragansett hay are mostly destitute of fo- rest trees.
The agricultural productions of the State consist principally of the products of the grazing and dairy business. The counties of Washing- ton and Newport will rank among the first grazing districts in the Uni- ted States ; the soil in these counties being generally a moist loam, which is deep, strong and fertile, affording abundant crops of grass and rich pasturage. These counties are distinguished for the extent and excellency of their dairies ; they are also celebrated for their cattle and sheep. The farmers generally keep large stocks of valuable neat cat- tle, and have long paid great attention to the raising of sheep ; and a peculiar and valuable breed of horses formerly were an object of con- siderable attention in the eastern section of Washington county. The various objects of the dairy business, and the raising of cattle and sheep, also form the leading agricultural interests in the northwestern section of the State.
Of the different kinds of grain cultivated, Indian corn, barley, oats and rye are principally attended to. Indian corn is cultivated in eve- ry part of the State, and barley extensively in the counties of Newport and Washington. The best townships for the cultivation of grain, are Middletown and Little-Compton, in Newport county; North and South-Kingston, in Washington county; Cranston, Smithfield and North-Providence, in Providence county ; Warwick, in Kent county, and Barrington, in Bristol county. ' These and some other towns have a considerable proportion of arable land, which is well adapted to a grain culture, and is in a tolerable state of cultivation. In Bristol county, large quantities of onions are raised for exportation. In most sections of the State, the great convenience and value of fruit is duly appreciated, and is an object of proper attention. The most exten- sive and valuable apple orchards are in the towns of Smithfield, John- ston and Cranston,in Providence county; Middletown and Portsmouth, in Newport county ; Warwick and Greenwich, in Kent county ; and Hopkinton, in Washington county.
Waters .- The waters of Rhode-Island are abundant, and afford more extensive navigable advantages, than those of any other State in the Union. The Narragansett bay is one of the most beautiful sheets of water in the United States ; is unrivalled for its navigable advantages, affording at all times a safe and ready communication with the ocean ; and its shores, which are indented with innumerable bays and inlets, containing many excellent harbours. This bay also affords important advantages for the fishing business ; it extends more than 30 miles into the interior of the State, and for this distance, affords superior advan- tages for ship navigation. The whole extent of the bay and river, from
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Point Judith to Providence, is about 36 miles. The average breadth of the lower section of the bay is nearly ten miles ; but the upper part is narrow. Exclusive of the islands, of which there are about fifteen in number, and some of considerable extent, the waters of the bay com- prise an area of about 130 square miles. The principal harbours are Newport, which is one of the best in the world, Bristol, Providence, Wickford, Greenwich, Warren, Tiverton, Apponaug, Pawtuxet and Pawcatuck. These harbours afford facilities to the commercial inter- ests of almost every part of the State.
The interior of the State is watered by numerous small rivers ; the largest of which is the Seekonk, in the northeastern section. The prin- cipal branch of this river is the Pawtucket, a lively and valuable mill stream, affording numerous sites for hydraulic works, which are occu- pied to great extent. The Pawtuxct discharges its waters into the Narragansett, 5 miles below Providence. This stream is also distin- guished for its numerous sites for mills and manufacturing establish- ments, and is unrivalled for the number of cotton factories erected up- on it ; there being forty upon this stream and its branches, and all with- in the distance of a few miles. This stream and its branches water a large proportion of the interior of the State. The Pawcatuck, which, near its mouth, is a considerable river, being navigable for vessels for five or six miles, together with its numerous branches, waters the southwestern section of the State. Its principal branches are the Wood and Charles rivers, which are convenient mill streams. The latter has its source in Warden's pond, a considerable body of water; be- sides which, there are numerous other fresh water ponds, which are generally well stored with fish.
The shores of the Narragansett bay, and the Atlantic border of the State, are indented with numerous inlets and salt water ponds, which are well stored with fish, and afford great facilities to the fishing business.
Climate .- Rhode-Island enjoys a salubrious climate, favourable to health and longevity. Being in the same parrallel of latitude, it cor- responds with the climate of the State of Connecticut, in the vale of Connecticut river; although, perhaps, the islands and borders of the Narragansett bay may be somewhat milder. The winters in the maritime sections are evidently milder, and the seasons more uniform and temperate, than in the interior of New-England, in the same par- rallel of latitude ; and in these sections, the extreme heat of summer is allayed by the refreshing sea breezes. There is probably no sec- tion of the United States, that possesses a climate more favourable to health and human comfort, than the islands and borders of the Narra- gansett bay ; and none, perhaps, affords a more agreeable residence, than some of the towns which line this beautiful sheet of water. New- port, from the salubrity of its climate, the beauty of its situation, and the various interesting objects and advantages which its maritime situa- tion affords, is a place of extensive resort in the summer season, for the purposes of health and pleasure.
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OF RHODE-ISLAND.
Roads and Bridges .- The roads of the State have been greatly im- proved within the last thirty years. In addition to the public roads, there are a number of good turnpikes, and several others in contem- plation. Of these, the most important are a turnpike leading to Bos- ton through Pawtucket village; one leading to Worcester county ; one to Connecticut through Chepachet ; one to Hartford, and one to Nor- wich. A turnpike is about to be constructed from Providence to Paw- catuck, and several other turnpikes are contemplated. There are good public roads from Providence to Bristol, Newport and Greenwich. and others in various parts of the State.
The most important and extensive bridge in the State is that which connects Portsmouth with Tiverton, at Howland's ferry. This bridge is constructed of stone, and is nearly 1000 feet in length. The next most important is Waybossett bridge, connecting the two divisions of the town of Providence. India and Central bridges across the Seekonk river, are considerable bridges. Besides these, there are numerous convenient bridges upon the different streams in every part of the State, affording to travelling and intercourse every facility and accom- modation.
Fisheries .- The waters of the Narragansett, and its numerous bays, inlets and coves, afford a great variety of excellent and valuable fish, which in general are taken with great facility and success. The fish- ing business already employs considerable industry, and is capable of great extension. There are few sections in the United States which enjoy equal advantages for the fishing business ; and by the direction of enterprise and industry to this channel, it might be rendered an important business, affording extensive employment, and become a source of great profit and wealth. The fishing business is carried on most extensively by the inhabitants of Block-Island, Wickford, Green- wich and Pawcatuck. At these places, considerable quantities are. taken for exportation. Thirty-three boats, belonging to Block-Island, are engaged in the cod and mackerel fisheries. In addition to what are exported, large supplies are taken, not only at the aforesaid pla - ces, but by the inhabitants of all the towns and villages upon the shores of Narragansett bay and the borders of the Atlantic. These supplies comprise almost every variety of eatable fish, both of fin and shell, and contribute greatly to the means of subsistence, as well as to the luxuries of the table. The waters of the ocean form the great " com- mon" of mankind, whose treasures are alike free to all.
Commerce and Navigation .- Although Rhode-Island is the smallest State in the Union, she claims a conspicuous rank, for mercantile in- dustry and commercial enterprise. In no other State have the mer- chants engaged in foreign trade with more ardour, sagacity or intelli- gence; and no where have their efforts been crowned with greater success. , Hence the immense accumulation of commercial capital in the maritime towns, which exceeds that of most other towns of their size. The foreign trade is not confined to any particular direction,
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but is carried on with almost every part of the world that offers a field for commercial enterprise. Considerable trade is carried on with the East Indies, South America, the Baltic and Mediterranean, and an ex- tensive one with the island of Cuba. In addition to these, there is a brisk and profitable coasting trade maintained with the middle and southern States. The whole amount of tonnage belonging to the State, in 1819, was 39,044 tons, which is believed to be a greater amount, in proportion to the population, than is owned by any other State in the Union, with the exception of Massachusetts. There are now (1819,) about 670 mercantile stores of every description in the State ; a great number, for its size and population.
Manufactures .-- In taking a view of the manufactures of this State,' the cotton business claims the first attention. In the cotton manufac- ture, this, although the smallest State in the Union, ranks before any other. Considering the small beginning of this business and the diffi- culties which it has had to encounter, the progress which it has made and its present extension cannot but be regarded as a satisfactory evi- dence of its ultimate success, and must afford great gratification to the friends of American manufactures. Although it is nearly thirty years since the cotton spinning business was first commenced in this State, yet its progress, for a number of years, was extremely slow ; and it did not receive much attention until about fifteen years ago. Since that period, although it has experienced various vicissitudes and several severe depressions, and at all times has had to contend with the most formidable foreign competition, supported by immense capitals,and aided by the general policy of the government, it has acquired a degree of ma- turity and importance, which authorize a belief that the business may be considered as permanently established. There are now more than 90 cotton mills or manufacturing establishments in the State. Many ' of these cstablishments are very extensive, and afford employment to a vast aggregate of industry ; some of them containing 6 or 7000 spin- dles. The fabrics manufactured at these establishments have become greatly improved within a few years, from experience and practical skill, and at present sustain not only a high reputation for their firmness of texture and durability, but also for the elegance of the style of manufacture. The amount of cotton goods manufactured at the va- rious establishments in this State is immensely great, and constantly increasing. They are conveyed by land and water to most parts of the United States, and are constantly overcoming the prejudices of our citizens, and extending their reputation. Such is the condition of the cotton manufactures of this State, which yet are to be considered as' in their infancy. As many, even at this time, arc sceptical upon the subjectof the permanent establishment of manufactures in this country,' it may, perhaps, throw some light upon this subject, by comparing this view of the rise and progress of the cotton manufacture here with that of the same manufacture'in Great-Britain. From the establish -. ment of the first cotton mill propelled by water-power, by Sir Rich-
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ard Arkwright, at Cromford, in Derbyshire, from the year 1771 to 1788, a period of 17 years, the number, in England, had increased only to 114. In Scotland, the first mill was erected in or about the year 1780 ; and in 1788 there were but 19. From these statements, it appears that the progress of the business was very slow in Great- Britain, for the first 17 years ; and that, at this period, there were but few more water-power cotton mills in all England than there are now in Rhode-Island. When we consider the rapid extension which this business has received in Great-Britain, since 1788, forming at this time a great national interest, upon which a considerable proportion of the population of the country depends ; may we not, without in- dulging the expectation of a progress equally rapid in this country, confidently rely upon the sure and steady advancement of this manu- facturing interest, so important to our national prosperity and inde- pendence. If thirty years have produced such surprising results in Great-Britain, some of her largest towns having grown up with this business, may we not expect that the lapse of the same period will give to the manufactures of this country a vast extension ; and that the manufacturing districts, particularly some sections of this State, will contain large and flourishing manufacturing towns, the seats of immense population, business and wealth. The woolen manufactur- ing business has received some attention in this State, although it holds but a very subordinate station, compared with the cotton business. There are at this time about 20 woolen foctories in the State, and 27 clothiers' works, for customers. Considerable attention is given to the various branches of the iron manufacture, in some sections of the State. There are three furnaces, one of which has been distinguished for the excellency of its castings, particularly cannon, two forges, three anchor shops and one gun factory. Considerable attention is also given to the manufacture of nails, scythes and some other articles in the iron business, in the northeastern section of Providence county. The distillation of spirit, both from domestic and foreign materials, is an important business in various parts of the State, particularly at Newport, where large quantities of rum are distilled for exportation. There are in all 12 rum distilleries, and several extensive gin' distille- ries. Ship building receives considerable attention in Providence, Newport, Bristol, Warren and Pawcatuck. . The building of boats is carried on extensively in some sections of the State, particularly in Cumberland, where about 700 are annually made. As connected with the ship building and commercial interests, large quantities of cordage are manufactured in the commercial towns. The jewelry. business receives great attention in Providence, where large quanti- ties are manufactured for exportation. In Cumberland, there is an extensive marble manufactory, affording a great variety of articles for various uses, which are sent abroad for a market. The manufacture of lime is carried on extensively in Smithfield, and the products of the business are sent to various parts of the Union for a market.
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" In addition to the various manufacturing interests, there is a great amount of mechanical industry employed upon objects of general utility, and of domestic convenience and economy, particularly in the towns of Providence, Newport, Bristol, Warren and Pawtucket, and the villages in various parts of the State. There are in the State 140 grain mills and three paper mills.
Character of the Inhabitants .- From the necessary influence of moral causes, some of the most distinguishing traits of charac- ter in the inhabitants of this State can be traced to the circum- stances attending the first settlement, and the peculiar opinions and prejudices of the first settlers. Among the characteristics most prominent, is that of the love of religious liberty, which pervades all classes. This just and liberal sentiment was implanted among the first settlers by the famous father and founder of the colony, the great apostle of religious liberty, Roger Williams. The Rev. Mr. Williams, and most of the first settlers of the colony, having been the victims of a spirit of religious persecution, which unfortunately pre- vailed in the colony of Massachusetts, adopted sentiments of great abhorrence of religious severity and intolerance, and a consequent. respect for religious liberty and the rights of conscience. The spi- rit of religious liberty, which thus originated, and the existence of which was coeval with that of the colony, has been universally cher- ished, and at all times maintained an uninterrupted ascendency. The effects of this excellent and truly christian spirit have been most hap- py ; it having secured to the State, from its first settlement to the present day, a degree of tranquillity and harmony among the various religious sects, which perhaps has not existed during the same period in any other community in Christendom. Was any wanted, this State would afford a satisfactory example of the salutary effects of legal and practical toleration in matters of religion and conscience. Ano- ther striking characteristic of the people of this State, which, howev- er, they possess in common with their brethren of the other New- England States, is a spirit of enterprise and persevering habits of in- dustry and economy. There is, perhaps, no community in the world, where the people exhibit more devotion to business, more intense- ness of application, or more ardour and perseverance in pursuit of the various objects which occupy attention, than in Rhode-Island.
Enterprise is not checked from the want of objects. It opens new channels for business, and new fields for industry. The want of lo- cal advantages interposes no obstacles to its operations. These may be overcome by enterprise and industry ; as in Holland, where the country itself has been almost rescued from the domains of the ocean, and where, although there is little or no grain raised, and no forests, there are innumereble distilleries and other manufactories, for which the country affords no facilities or advantages. The prosperi- ty of a community does not so much depend upon the resources of the country, as it respects soil, waters, forests, &c. as upon the physi-
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cal and moral resources of its inhabitants. Without the latter, the for- mer are neglected and become useless ; although it is evident, that when both are united, the results will be more important. This State possesses superior advantages as to navigable waters, and consequently for foreign trade ; but its back country is very limited, affording but inconsiderable advantages for interior trade, which is generally con- sidered as the support of foreign commerce. For manufactures, this State has some convenient waters or streams ; but these give it no su- perior advantages, as like conveniences are to be found in most parts of our country. It is from the denseness and character of its population, that weare to account for its having become the seat of the cotton manu-
facture in America. It is that bold and active spirit of enterprise, and those indefatigable habits of industry, for which the people of this State are distinguished, which have originated, cherished, sustained, and which promise to bring to maturity this great and important national interest. It is with such a community, and such only, that manufac- tures can be maintained. Hence we conclude, that the influence of slavery, which produces the opposite of these characteristics and habits, will forever exclude manufactures from the southern States, and keep them dependent, even for the most common and necessary products of mechanical and manufacturing ingenuity and industry, upon the north- ern and middle States, or foreign countries. This will be one of the many evils of slavery.
Government .- The government of the State is, at the present time; founded on the provisions of the charter granted to the colony by Charles II, in 1663; being now the only State in the Union, which is without a written constitution of civil government.
The obligation of the charter, as a constitution of civil government, was necessarily abrogated by the declaration of independence, and the treaty of 1783, dissolving the political connexion of these colonies with Great-Britain. But by the common consent of the people, the form of the government, as established by the charter, has been preserved without any essential variation. The legislative power is vested in the General Assembly, consisting of two branches, the Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate consists of ten members, and the House of Representatives consists of two deputies or representa- tives from each town, with the exception of Providence, Portsmouth, Warwick and Newport; the three first of which are entitled to four representatives, and the last to six. The representatives are chosen semi-annually. The executive power is vested in a Governor; a' Lieutenant Governor is also appointed, on whom this power devolves, in case of the office of Governor being vacated. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor have seats in the Senate.
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